Teachers who recognize the value of working together can put their belief into practice through the use of collaboration and cooperative learning methods. Lists 19 characteristics of a well-functioning and collaborative team. (MLF)

Middle-level education has become a fixture in our educational system. This collection of essays provides the opportunity for readers to examine current policies, programs, and practices in light of recent developments at the middle level. Nine essays include: (1) "Why Middle Schools?" (Donald Eichhorn); (2) "Organizing Middle Level Schools To…

Noting that reading instruction for young adolescents in Indiana's middle grades schools has been virtually eliminated, this booklet describes how important reading is in the middle grades and why it continues to deserve attention beyond the elementary years. The booklet proposes a series of actions that educators--teachers, administrators, school…

This document consists of a final report and executive summary. The report is that of a project involving eight college and university faculty who were given the responsibility of developing new versions of introductory level geography courses. The plan of the project involved bringing together college or university professors, local school…

Describes approaches for solving the problem of students' declining motivation and performance when they move to middle-level schools. Urges educators to examine school policies, practices, and procedures, and to make changes that will make it very clear to students that effort, challenge, improvement, and mastery are the goals of schooling. (16…

This paper describes six Ultimate Flag Games which offer a change from traditional games and sports that are usually geared toward athletically inclined students. These new games, aimed at middle school through college students, allow for success from the least-skilled through the most athletically talented students. Players are ability grouped…

Cooperative learning and heterogeneous ability grouping meet many of the goals of middle grade education while avoiding the discriminatory effects of tracking and homogeneous grouping. Poor and minority students are overrepresented in lower track classes, and are, therefore, more likely to be denied equal access to education. Arguments in favor of…

"Teaching Ten to Fourteen Year Olds," by Chris Stevenson, describes the author's odyssey as a teacher. Although scholarly and well researched, the book is filled with stories and anecdotes. Many of the teaching strategies are explained in detail. (MLF)

The goal of this practicum was to increase the number of students enrolled in the middle school and high school chorus. A secondary goal was to introduce teachers to group process, as a method of writing curriculum. To meet both ends, the subject of recruitment was incorporated into the curriculum plan. The practicum was conducted in a public…

The author proposes a design for science instruction in the middle school years, ages 9-13. (SJL)

Challenges middle school teachers to broaden their definitions of both families and the roles that families can play in enhancing middle school effectiveness. Outlines six steps, supported by research from education and business, for recruiting families for middle schools. (15 references) (MLF)

The choice theory holds that people can control only their own behavior, and that all people need a sense of belonging, freedom, power, and fun. This article argues that teachers must recognize that these needs motivate student behavior, and describes how a middle school turned its discipline and achievement problems around by using choice theory.…

This book is a collection of speeches by M. Hayes Mizell. The book is divided into three parts. In part 1, Mizell reviews some of the challenges middle schools must overcome to become effective places of teaching and learning. His suggestions range from developing a new kind of middle school principal to better serving young people's…

Safe, noncontroversial social studies textbooks are neither meaningful nor necessary according to many students. As an alternative, teachers can integrate well-written trade books into the social studies curriculum. Well-researched diaries, journals, biographies, and autobiographies should become an integral part of the curriculum. (28 references)…

Profiles 7 middle-school teachers from a group of 32 outstanding middle-level teachers throughout the country that were surveyed, interviewed, and shadowed. Lists 10 attributes that they all share, including investment in personal and professional development and an attitude of commitment and self-confidence. (MLF)