The 1990s will likely be a watershed period for middle level education, as the real challenges surrounding making "second level" changes replace the euphoria that accompanied early growth of the middle school movement. Yet, zealousness still characterizes reform efforts at the middle level. This study, the most comprehensive ever conducted on the state of middle level schooling, provides perspective on the current status of middle level education. A 1993 study was undertaken to obtain a data base providing a partial record of the successes of the middle school movement over a period of 25 years, and to document current practice in U.S. middle schools. This report details the 1993 study of 1,798 middle schools. Data in the 1993 study were then analyzed in ways that provide a historical perspective of 6-8 level middle schools, comparing the 1993 data with those from previous studies by Alexander (1968) and Alexander and McEwin (1988). Part 1 of this report, "Introduction," gives background information and describes the methodology of the 1993 study. Part 2, "Middle Schools: A Twenty-Five Year Perspective" provides current data on middle school programs and practices, including enrollment, curriculum, instructional grouping practices, faculty, and problems encountered. Part 3, "In Summary and In Perspective," presents recommendations for future actions. Part 4, "Appendices," includes a copy of the survey instrument. Contains 37 references. (BGC)