Early adolescence represents a particularly vulnerable period of development during which young people are susceptible to establishing lifelong behavior patterns associated with poor life, health, and educational outcomes. Previous research demonstrates older adolescents and young adults often experience negative life events (NLEs) prior to…

This article describes one middle school's efforts to use model building and school self-evaluation to hold itself accountable for its own priorities. These priorities were established by local administrators, teachers, and students, in addition to those established by No Child Left Behind (NCLB). This article discusses this school's…