Provides information on the number of middle schools, the grade organization of middle schools, the rank-order of the states in middle schools, and on the middle schools in accrediting association regions. (For availability, see EA 507 405.) (IRT)

Examines collaborative decision making in middle schools and methods to facilitate this underused strategy. Examines research on collaboration in the areas of school environment, classroom instruction, student learning, and decision making in schools. Factors of successful environments are examined including principal commitment, trust, focus on…

Provides information on linking technology with middle school programs and philosophy, drawing on the experiences of a Missouri middle school during the process of technology purchasing and implementation. Explores: (1) curriculum and instruction; (2) information and media services; (3) administration; (4) staff development; (5) developing a plan;…

Describes strategies to smooth students' transition to middle school, listing programs and activities prior to the school year, during the summer, and during the school year. Considers adolescents' changing developmental needs. (JPB)

Describes the processes of thinking, learning, appreciation, and improvement of higher level thinking skills developed through the exploration and adaptation of Shakespeare's works at the middle school level. Offers suggestions for specific techniques, including character creation, casting, music, and rehearsals. (JPB)

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)

Describes a successful cross-categorical inclusion program at Kosciuszko Middle School in Milwaukee (the program includes learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and emotionally disturbed.) Explores: (1) perceptions of regular education teachers; (2) greater support given to all students; (3) roles and responsibilities of exceptional…

Details changes in programs and practice to improve middle level education. Examines characteristics of developmentally responsive middle schools. Identifies barriers to efforts to provide meaningful learning experiences through curriculum integration. Maintains that changes should revolve around expanding teachers' models of learning to…

Describes motivational strategies that middle-school teachers can employ to prevent boredom and stimulate interest. Teachers should relate learning tasks to students' needs, interests, concerns, and experiences; clarify, share, and model the intended value of learning; encourage students to pursue their own interests; stimulate students'…

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…

For too long, the middle grades have been racked by a mistaken narrative that this age group is simply too difficult, or that it's a time in life when one must simply endure rather than thrive. The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) rejects that narrative. It is time for a unified policy agenda in support of the middle grades. This…

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)

Discusses efforts to revitalize middle schools in Guilford County, North Carolina. Describes five revitalization strategies used in the process: formation of a middle school task force, development of a middle school concept, staff development, principal role, and school evaluation. (JPB)

The Delphi technique was employed on a random sample of National Middle School Association members to identify topics of needed research in middle school education and to seek consensus on the usefulness of each research topic. Available from NMSA, P.O. Box 968, Fairborn, OH 45324. (Author)

At the same time teachers and administrators grapple with how to develop teachers' understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom, recent legislative sessions have unleashed a flood of legislation that seeks to limit teachers from teaching about race, racism, oppression, and injustice in U.S. schools. Teachers are struggling…