While a number of studies have yielded useful information regarding the status of middle level schools in the United States, four linked national surveys provide a longitudinal perspective on the degree of implementation of key middle grades programs and practices. These studies were conducted in 1968 (Alexander, 1968), 1988 (Alexander & McEwin,…

The history of young adolescent education can be viewed as an ongoing search for the appropriate combination of school organization, curriculum, and instructional practices for young adolescents. While middle schools have now become the most common pattern for schools housing young adolescents, there have always been other broader school…

Discusses the need for developmentally responsive middle level competitive sports programs that include awareness of sports injuries, psychological considerations, attrition in sports, and family pressures for students to become college and professional athletes. (JPB)

Maintains that duality of middle school teacher commitments to significant academic learning and developmentally appropriate contexts has important implications for teacher roles, professional preparation, and continuing professional development. Describes teacher roles of student advocate, role model, supporter of diversity, collaborator, and…

First in a series of profiles to trace the intellectual roots of the modern middle-school movement through the thoughts and actions of five of its most influential revolutionaries. (seven references) (MLF)

Discusses results of a 1989-90 survey of 70 randomly selected international schools and 70 randomly selected Department of Defense Schools in Europe. Programs and practices surveyed included enrollments, grade organization, curriculum and instructional plans, core subjects, grouping patterns, exploratory courses, advisory programs, and scheduling.…