Identifies features of junior high schools that are undergoing change and those that are enduring; reviews four characteristics that have been sought, and to varying degrees attained, and whether they should continue. Describes three other characteristics that many professionals seek. Concludes with a tentative model of the new middle school that…

Five years ago, the Huth Upper Grades Center in Matteson, Illinois, the only junior high school in the district, began incorporating significant elements of a child-oriented middle school. Among these was the assignment of students to one of five multidisciplinary teaching teams, called clusters. Available from NMSA, P.O. Box 968, Fairborn, OH…

Forming teams is the logical first step in the transition to middle school from junior high school. Offers 10 questions that middle-level educators should ask as they embark upon this new venture of interdisciplinary teaming. (13 references) (MLF)

Through a review of the transition literature and a survey of 225 students about to enter middle school, the most significant anxieties identified were the following: (1) space concerns about a new and larger building, especially getting lost and being late to class; (2) contact with older and possibly rougher students; and (3) heavy homework…

Falk School, the laboratory school for the University of Pittsburgh, has gradually developed a "personalized progress plan" that involves nongraded organization, multiple-age grouping, modified team teaching, and a carefully sequenced curriculum. (Author/MLF)

Challenges middle school teachers to broaden their definitions of both families and the roles that families can play in enhancing middle school effectiveness. Outlines six steps, supported by research from education and business, for recruiting families for middle schools. (15 references) (MLF)

Administrative support, faculty cooperation, and student teamwork have combined to achieve a computer literate middle school where computer lessons are coordinated with the regular mathematics curriculum. Available from National Middle School Association, P.O. Box 14882, Columbus, OH 43214. (MLF)

Concerned about student learning, believing tardiness to be at an all-time high, and not happy with their current policy for dealing with student tardiness, the faculty of a junior high school in the Rocky Mountain area asked themselves: "What can be done about students who are tardy?" This article describes that process and their…

Challenger Middle School (Colorado) has an intramural sports program that uses two unique concepts known as "scramble" and "cluster" coaching. The goal is to provide each child the opportunity to compete, develop skills, and experience success. Intramural participants are invited by coaches to compete against other schools…

A brief history of East Ridge Middle School in Connecticut illustrates the strong economic and demographic pressures that can work against a middle school. The principal plays a crucial role in preserving both the structure and the programs of an effective middle school. Points out strategies to protect and develop middle schools in tough economic…

Provides some time-saving and purposeful evaluation strategies that can be used with various writing projects and reports. Explains 10 hints directed toward what to do while the student is still writing and 5 hints for grading writing. (11 references) (MLF)

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)

Canandaigua, NY, is in midst of study to convert junior high program to a middle school program. Responses from 105 families to survey materials sent to 780 student homes indicate parents care more about how children feel about themselves than about how children perform in the school setting. Parents want their children to be strong in basic…

Results of a recent study indicate that, when students write about relevant, personal experiences prior to reading a literary text, their understanding and engagement in the text are significantly improved. Recommends autobiographical writing before a reading assignment. (22 references) (MLF)

Argues that various reforms have been initiated in an attempt to respond to calls for school improvement, and although well-intentioned, most attempts have failed to bring about the substantive change needed in American schools. Discusses first- and second-order change and middle school philosophy. Recounts two stories of change. (SD)