Reports on an innovative program for providing daily 10-minute Latin classes to 12,000 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) School District. Describes a typical class, objectives of the program, and the instructional principles followed. (PGD)

A program is described that successfully involves parents in their child's education at a middle school in Louisiana. (MD)

Adolescent children of alcoholics (AdCOAs) take with them the habits and customs learned at home. Describes the distinguishing characteristics of AdCOAs, how they can be helped, and school-based intervention programs. Lists key points for alcohol awareness for all educators, and provides addresses for four resources. (15 references) (MLF)

Children's natural curiosity should be more adequately satisfied, resarch has suggested--especially in grades 4 to 6. Traditionally, the scope and sequence approach which is a learning-what-others think or have thought rather than a learning-to-think-for-oneself method begins during the middle school years. It is interesting to observe that…

Nene College (United Kingdom) has developed a residential enrichment program for gifted ten- and eleven-year-olds in Northamptonshire County. The paper outlines the logistics of program implementation, including determining academic and social content and the selection of children and teaching staff. (DB)

The whole middle school movement is based on the knowledge that children between the ages of 10 and 14 have special developmental needs. Summarizes recent research findings. A sidebar lists eight recommendations for middle school executives adapted from the Carnegie Corporation document "Turning Points: Preparing American Youth for the 21st…

A study of three middle school principals about their instructional leadership activities before and after the establishment of shared decision making revealed an enhancement of leadership. The nature of the middle school teacher's role demands participative leadership and communication and decision making revolved around instructional issues.…

Developed through a broad-based national consensus building process, the National History Standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes that all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12…

Once a month, fifth-grade students in an Indianapolis, Indiana, classroom can use tickets earned through good behavior and academic achievement to purchase donated items and baked goods. Students are in charge of organizing the activity, keeping track of student "earnings," and managing a student "bank." (PGD)

Developed through a broad based national consensus building process, the National History Standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes that all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12…

During the 1960s and early 1970s two educational movements were the evolution of the middle school and the structures of disciplines approach to social studies. These movements involved school organization, curriculum development, and methodologies incorporating the inquiry or conceptual approach. Learners had trouble with the conceptual approach,…

Administrators who focus on school-community relations for an uninterrupted time daily or several times each week will strongly affect community relations, parental involvement, and, ultimately, student achievement. (MLF)

Middle school transition brings with it considerable change for those involved. Using corporate and industrial management theories and practices presents a rationale for wholesale and comprehensive educational change. (six references) (MLF)

Middle schools are here to stay. The overriding purpose of middle-level education continues to be that of providing programs based on the unique characteristics, needs, and interests of middle-level students. (Author/TE)

Forming teams is the logical first step in the transition to middle school from junior high school. Offers 10 questions that middle-level educators should ask as they embark upon this new venture of interdisciplinary teaming. (13 references) (MLF)