The Department of Education and National Association of Secondary School Principals have compiled differing criteria for middle school excellence as a result of conflicting ideas of the purpose of education, but resolution may be found through consideration of all demands by parents, educators, and the Department of Education. (DCS)

Middle level education needs personnel specifically educated for and committed to working with the middle level age group and program, and this requires the development of sound middle level teacher certification requirements and programs. (Author/DCS)

Discussion of five issues selected from National Association of Secondary School Principals' national study of middle level education and principalship. (DCS)

A principal shares principles and practices involved in achieving excellence in a middle school. (DCS)

Staff development is the key to middle school effectiveness, and this article lists characteristics of an effective staff development program, examples of activities and topics, and questions for program evaluation. (DCS)

Middle level program planning involves three phases over three years: developing a written school philosophy, designing the curricular program, and implementing the plan to meet objectives. (Author/DCS)

Middle school interdisciplinary teams developed a student behavioral management plan that aims to identify, develop, and coordinate appropriate school responses to the behavior of a specific student that will enable the youngster to become a successful, contributing member of the school program. Sample plan included. (Author/DCS)

This planning and development guide suggests that careful, comprehensive, long range planning combined with gradual program implementation and effective administrative leadership can create responsive middle school programs. Sample sequential objective charts and activity lists are included. (DCS)

Effective curriculum supervision is essential to a good middle school and curriculum program, and principals can do this job through preparation, curriculum review and development, taking advantage of supervisory opportunities, and curriculum evaluation. (DCS)

As a result of the recent publicity given problems of physical and sexual child abuse, society now expects teachers to be fully informed, to educate both children and parents, and to actively intercede in abuse cases. Guidelines are given to help middle level teachers cope with these and related developments. (DCS)

Competition is a significant reality of life, but its potentially demoralizing effect when practiced in the middle level classroom demands controlled, effective introduction by teachers. Before student competition, the student and teacher should agree on the following concerns: sufficient mastery, competitive skill proficiency, willingness,…

The personal development needs of preadolescents make extended guidance programs for middle school students crucially important. This article describes steps for teacher advisory program development--including a sample curriculum outline and learning activity--and summarizes the program role of the principal, counselor, and teacher. (DCS)

Comments on current efforts to evaluate and improve United States schools, especially the conclusions and recommendations of national education reports, tendencies in responding to them, and issues inadequately addressed by them. Both equity and excellence are important, it is suggested, and excellence may be achieved through challenge of familiar…

The public's attitude toward public schools is the topic of this interview with George Gallup, in which he discusses the impact of the mass media and recent national education reports, the need for schools to improve their public relations efforts, and the role of the principal in this. (DCS)

A well-prepared lesson plan is the most effective tool for effective teaching and classroom control; determination and dedication lead to success; and other advice for new teachers. (DCS)