Numerous studies have contributed to the theoretical, empirical, and practical understanding of teacher empathy, but few have captured the voices of middle school students to understand their lived experiences; no studies have explored the topic in Christian academies. Grounded in Rogers' theory of self and subsequent theories about…

The middle school years can be exciting and confusing for young adolescent students. Thus it is important for teachers, administrators, and school professionals to create a unique classroom and school culture that meets their needs. Creating a positive classroom culture that supports young adolescents through social, physical, and academic…

The COVID-19 pandemic caused schools to shift to virtual or hybrid instruction, thrusting young adolescents into a very different educational environment. Stage-environment fit theory outlines ways in which educational contexts may, or may not, meet the developmental needs of young adolescents. Yet little is known about how virtual environments…

Educators' efforts at fostering social and emotional learning are grounded in, and closely related to caring: a belief that developing social and emotional skills will help students to flourish both personally and academically. Yet, research has shown that many middle grades students do not feel cared for in school and find educators' efforts at…

Young adolescents who are LGBTQIA+ often encounter hostile experiences while in middle level schools. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 young adolescents who are LGBTQIA+ at two middle schools to determine their experiences. Students report the ages at which they realized their gender and sexual identities: Five reveal…

This qualitative case study highlights the ways a novice middle school mathematics teacher established an adolescent-centered community of care that set the stage for responsive middle level mathematics teaching (RMLMT). Findings revealed that fostering caring school-based relationships supports the establishment of a responsive classroom…

Research indicates that school discipline practices are inequitable based on student race, class, and gender; yet, few studies highlight students' voices regarding their experiences with these practices. Further, we know that positive teacher--student relationships are a significant factor in student academic achievement and success. This article…

AMLE advocates for educators to respect and value young adolescents. Yet, the narrative surrounding early adolescence in the United States centers chaos, hormones, and emotional drama. Middle school educators repeat or hear some version of this narrative daily, yet it remains unchecked and unaddressed in professional development. Deficit…

While "This We Believe" (NMSA, 2010b) certainly advocates for a rigorous, challenging academic environment for middle grades students, it also strongly suggests the education of young adolescents includes three additional "essential attributes" (p. 14). A middle school education should be developmentally responsive, empowering,…

Middle level students classified as at-risk may benefit from a mentoring relationship to help them during this transitionary period of adolescence. Prior research findings highlight the benefits of mentoring programs for both mentors and mentees. This article provides a review of literature in mentoring programs and discusses a specific example of…

The goal of the intervention peer-tutoring program described in this paper was to help pre-algebra students (tutees) deepen their knowledge of mathematical concepts by providing them an opportunity to collaborate with their peers--accelerated algebra students (tutors). Over the duration of the program, the tutees and tutors gained a mutual respect…

Historically, middle grade schools doled out the harshest and most exclusionary discipline to adolescent African American males. African American males were routed along school to prison pathways at rates higher than African American females and their peers from other racial backgrounds. National conversations about exclusionary discipline…

Although middle-school students benefit greatly from well-planned, effectively delivered advisory programs, teachers remain uncommitted because of inadequate preparation, fear, and lack of experience. Subject-centered teachers often fear dealing with students in the affective domain. This article presents sample program development, staff…

Describes the use of adolescent literature with preservice middle school teachers to help candidates understand the developmental issues adolescents face and remember their own adolescence as a step in identifying with their future students. Considers the use of book clubs, reading aloud, and an adolescent literature response journal. (JPB)

Asserts that middle level teachers can deal effectively with the challenges of appropriate grading for all students. Argues that motivating students with learning disabilities requires the attention of the entire IEP (Individualized Education Plan) team to modify instruction, adapt grading procedures, and keep communication open with parents and…