The purpose of this document is to widen the conversation and include all the stakeholders in the further development and use of enlightened and relevant research on middle level schooling. The research agenda it presents is meant to be a guide to topics, themes, and questions central to a number of middle level issues. The agenda consists of sets of questions, more than 200 in all, that are far-reaching yet incomplete in nature and format. These questions are grouped into 12 categories based on the position paper of the National Middle School Association "This We Believe" (1982, 1995). These categories are: (1) "Educators Committed to Young Adolescents"; (2) "A Shared Vision"; (3) "High Expectations for All"; (4) "An Adult Advocate for Every Student"; (5) "Family and Community Partnerships"; (6) "A Positive School Climate"; (7) "Curriculum That Is Challenging, Integrative and Exploratory"; (8) "Varied Teaching and Learning Approaches"; (9) "Assessment and Evaluation That Promote Learning"; (10) "Flexible Organizational Structures"; (11) "Programs and Policies That Foster Health, Wellness, and Safety"; and (12) "Comprehensive Guidance and Support Systems." (SLD)