We must prepare young adolescents for a bright future by examining all of our educational practices in terms of their current and future relevance. The education we provide our students must prepare them to address enormously complex issues involving demographics and international relations, environmental and human health, and the development and…

Since 1979, the American Samoa Department of Education and the University of Hawai'i have partnered to provide education and training for American Samoan teachers. Beginning in 2009, these efforts have focused on teachers in the middle grades. This article describes the context, program structure, and implementation of a graduate degree program in…

The National Middle School Association (NMSA) has long offered excellent guidance on the education of young adolescents in the "This We Believe" series, and by extension, for the education of educators of young adolescents. With many districts facing shortages of qualified teachers, having difficulty retaining those they have, and with an…

This article discusses the different problems of public school systems in Hawaii. Hawaii's schools face many challenges. They have one of the highest rates of private school attendance, in the U.S. at about 33%, while schools in the single, state-wide public school district, the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE), are seriously under-funded.…

Describes how two middle schools in Hawaii have used a six-step inquiry-based approach to make dramatic improvements in their learning environments. The steps are: (1) inquiry, clarification, goal-setting; (2) examination of alternatives; (3) development of innovation; (4) consideration and adoption; (5) implementation of innovation; and (6)…

Offers insights from a 2-year study that may enable schools to identify key issues, policies, and practices for a successful approach to comprehensive inclusion. Discusses the necessary conditions for inclusive practice that would serve the needs of both special needs and mainstream students, and utilize the talents of special education teachers,…

Describes how the question "What's driving you crazy?" is used by Hawaii middle-level educators to improve working conditions and meet students' needs by making schools more developmentally responsive. Focuses on the 6-step collaborative, inquiry-based innovation process at two private, multi-level schools embedded within K-8 or 6-12…