When students make the transition from elementary school to junior high school, they experience abrupt organizational changes in their school environment. The hypothesis that social comparison processes mediate the relation between ability grouping practices in mathematics and students' achievement expectancies was tested in a longitudinal sample…

In a survey of 172 experienced intermediate/junior high teachers in southern Ontario, all agreed that teachers at this level need courses based on the characteristics and needs of early adolescents. The majority indicated that their preservice training lacked such courses and had not prepared them for intermediate/junior high teaching. (JHZ)

This book offers an alternative to the traditional teacher-parent conference by giving the responsibility for assessment to the students. As students reflect on their own learning, seek out the views of others, and prepare their own portfolios, they come to know themselves as learners. The process combines assessment, teacher research, parent…

"Boys Will Be Boys," the television program featured in this videotape and teaching guide, explores the turmoil experienced by a young woman, a high school sophomore, who becomes the victim of sexual harassment at school. The program can be a springboard for discussing the larger issues of sexual harassment and women's rights today and…

Presents the National History Standards for United States History, grades 5 through 12. Includes an overview of 10 chronological time periods. Provides student objectives and recommended learning activities. (CFR)

Reports on a 3-year study of approximately 100 students through grades 4, 5, and 6 on the impact of a variety of second-language learning options among English-speaking children in francophone Canada. Finds that those options that use early, French-only environments were most effective. (CFR)

Contends that social studies textbooks remain a basic source of information for students and they ascribe to texts the values of objectivity and truth. Concludes that, in spite of improvements in recent years, six major concerns about gender-related issues remain. (CFR)

Contends that, since the mid-1980s, many British schools in predominantly white areas have taken active steps to counter racism and ethnocentrism. Examines the ethical issues of researching such initiatives at the primary school level. Looks at curriculum development work in antiracist and multicultural education in "all white" schools.…

There are several reasons why appraisals of school sites are necessary--the reasons run the range from the importance of performing a postoccupancy review to examining the need for new facilities. This guide helps educators and community leaders, as well as technical experts in school facilities, to complete the process of school facility…

This study investigated attitudes of educators from both the middle school movement and gifted education, by means of a survey of 400 members of relevant professional organizations. The survey focused on six interest clusters: (1) grouping strategies, (2) identification issues, (3) curriculum modifications, (4) teacher preparation, (5) program…

A literature review was conducted in an effort to locate programs that could improve opportunities for learning for middle graders, and particularly educationally disadvantaged middle graders. Of the more than 200 programs that were reviewed, about 80 were identified as having promising components for middle grades educators. Section I discusses…

A survey of the parents at a middle school in central Florida indicated that parents believed homework should contribute to the student's grade and that 47% of the respondents felt that mathematics should have daily homework. Based on these results, a study was conducted to determine the effects of implementing an innovative automated…

Fifth and eighth grade students in New York City participated in a citywide science survey for the fourth consecutive year in 1987. These surveys were designed to assess overall achievement in the pre-high school grades and to provide school, district and citywide summary information about student performance in basic areas of the science…

This document is designed to help school personnel analyze their current curriculum for grades 4 and 5 in terms of the Mathematics Common Curriculum for Oregon. The common curriculum goals are organized into nine content strands: (1) number and numeration; (2) appropriate computational skills; (3) problem solving; (4) geometry and visualization…

This manual provides information and materials for a professional development program aimed at assisting middle and high school faculties with decision making regarding curriculum integration. The program is an outgrowth of a 2-year research and development project on interdisciplinary teamed instruction conducted in four rural secondary schools…