Increased emphasis on content coverage and test scores can be an obstacle to many middle level practices, such as curriculum integration and differentiated instruction. While an increasing number of well-prepared, exemplary middle grades educators know and understand this situation, these educators are often not the ones leading school change.…

As the search to increase the quality of individuals entering and remaining in the teaching profession, people are simultaneously faced with a teacher shortage, often leading to fast track certification and lateral entry programs circumventing teacher preparation. This article points out that the major predictor of teacher retention is job…

Describes responses of four southern U.S. middle schools to increased potential for violence. Teachers and administrators viewed the cause of school violence to reside outside the school, whereas students saw the cause resting firmly within a school environment in which students were permitted or even expected to be cruel to one another. (KB)

Discusses what board certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards entails for middle school teachers. Describes the certification areas, provides a rationale for seeking certification, describes components of the certification process, and discusses the impact of certification related to credibility and support of…

Discusses the development of a teaching team structure in one middle school, describing efforts to redefine curriculum, assessment, scheduling, and teaming to foster new roles and relationships for students and teachers. (JPB)