One of the major strategies utilized to address the problem of suspension and expulsion in High Point, North Carolina schools was the establishment of alternative learning centers in each junior high school. (Author/MLF)

Best way to prevent high school students from dropping out is to address problems at elementary or middle school. At-risk students do not differ greatly from other middle-school students but need specific individualized assistance with academic skills and warm, nurturing advocate to help build self-esteem and achieve success in school work. Middle…

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)

The history of young adolescent education can be viewed as an ongoing search for the appropriate combination of school organization, curriculum, and instructional practices for young adolescents. While middle schools have now become the most common pattern for schools housing young adolescents, there have always been other broader school…

Describes an approach to involving parents and the community in the in-school suspension program of a junior high school in Hammond, Louisiana. Considers the role of the police department in initiating the MileStone Training Program for reducing juvenile offenses by keeping suspended students in school. (JPB)

Examines six elements of the transition to middle schools that ultimately hindered full implementation of the middle school concept in many schools: use of an incremental stage implementation model, lack of teacher education programs, lack of curriculum development, inadequate leadership, a paucity of research, and misunderstanding of the middle…

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…

Former middle-school principal's graduation speech to fifth graders and their parents focuses on three areas: students and psychological and physiological changes they will experience; what to expect in middle school (teamwork and advisee-group activities); and secrets for success and happiness. Students and parents are advised to concentrate on…

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…

Describes two different modular scheduling plans designed for use in middle schools. (Published by National Middle School Association, P.O. Box 968, Fairborn, OH 45324) (JG)

A survey of representative schools in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois showed that most small and rural schools house middle-level students in buildings primarily designed for elementary or high school students. Middle level students often receive an inappropriate educational program that is not taught by teachers trained to understand and…

All the people at Rhodes are optimistic that the humanistic approach of the house concept organization can offer students in large inner city schools the sense of family needed before any educational program can work. (For availability, see EA 507 405.) (Author/IRT)

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)