Perceptions of middle level learners vary, and unfortunately, some are deficit-oriented, labeling young adolescents as "hormonal" and "erratic" without a deep understanding of their emotional and physical development or the knowledge and skills that they bring to a classroom. In this paper, we provide empirical evidence for…

There is growing national awareness of the negative and long-term consequences associated with bullying. The impact of childhood bullying can be substantial and include lowered self-esteem, heightened anxiety, greater levels of depression, fear, school refusal, isolation, and even suicide. While there is growing research on programs to address…

There is an emerging curriculum vision that transcends the subject-centered and multidisciplinary approaches characterizing most junior high schools and middle schools. This article addresses practical issues (course content, teacher identities, planning, classroom life, and larger purpose) that have arisen around the integrative curriculum…

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)

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…

The Future Problem Solving process engages middle school students in real-world issues by creating a multidisciplinary "think tank" environment requiring them to apply both divergent (brainstorming, creativity, flexibility) and convergent (analysis, synthesis, evaluation) strategies to political problems. The process can accurately…

Describes a partnership between a middle school and a community-based retirement center in which middle school students taught senior citizens computer skills. Discusses the pedagogical value of the program in creating learning activities that students found functional. (JPB)

DeLand Middle School (Florida) abolished an interscholastic sports program and instituted a grade-level intramural program that is all inclusive, emphasizes development of physical skills and fitness, and provides enjoyable experiences to all students. (MLF)

Eureka (Illinois) Middle School has found some user-friendly ways to clarify communication and keep learning personal and accessible. Despite resource deficits, options and output have increased by actively using the school's philosophy: shared ownership for student success. Various community-building programs for students, faculty, and parents…

Concept of cooperative literacy implies an obligation of educators to increase all students' literacy and numeracy skills. Adapting cooperative learning as both a classroom management and a learning strategy helps manifest this responsibility across the curriculum. Two self-monitoring strategies are the Team Tally Sheet (to help students manage…

Conceptual differences between two popular alternative assessment methods must be clearly differentiated. Portfolios reflect individual development, whereas performance-based assessments reflect curriculum mastery. In combination, these methods provide a complete picture of the student as a learner and constitute a rigorous alternative to…

Details a student-led conferencing model developed by one middle school faculty that engages students as active participants in facilitating their conferences with parents and teachers. Considers conference goals, preparation, and evaluation. (JPB)

Discusses the use of reading portfolios to evaluate middle school students' reading interests, attitudes, motivation, and achievement. Considers the results of portfolios with three students and the benefits of the evaluation for parents and teachers. (JPB)

Addresses questions about the nature of collaborative learning in middle schools and its effect on literacy learning. Offers practical suggestions for implementing a collaborative learning program, including designing reading activities, problem students, grading, time allotment, and gifted students. (JPB)