Middle schools take on a higher purpose by making every effort to empower all of their students to attain their highest potential. This article rediscovers the "substance of soul" in the 21st century middle schools. The author stresses that returning to one's substance of soul goes beyond merely revisiting what educators truly value and then…

The AIM (Academic Intervention Model) program was designed to promote success for at-risk middle school students within a general education setting, through collaborative efforts between general and special education staff. This paper describes types of services offered, personnel preparation, program outcomes, and implementation suggestions. (JDD)

Middle school interdisciplinary teams developed a student behavioral management plan that aims to identify, develop, and coordinate appropriate school responses to the behavior of a specific student that will enable the youngster to become a successful, contributing member of the school program. Sample plan included. (Author/DCS)

This handbook for teachers on conducting a successful parent-teacher conference offers suggestions on: (1) key factors of a successful conference; (2) kinds of individual conferences; (3) creating a positive conference environment; (4) preparing for the conference; (5) conducting the conference; (6) concluding the conference; (7) following the…

The development of interdisciplinary teaching teams offers the counselor increasing opportunities to benefit larger numbers of students than usually appear in the guidance office. The counselor also gains more opportunities for inservice teacher education and for facilitating parent-teacher conferences. A format for this last function is outlined.…

Cooperation between middle level and high school administrators and teachers depends on their awareness of the great diversity of intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development among middle level students. Administrators can then make changes to improve program articulation. (MLF)

Describes Project DESTINY, a federally funded support program for families with middle school students with emotional and behavioral disabilities in New Hampshire. The development of the program, the involvement of school staff and students, positive outcomes of the program, and tips for enhancing family involvement in schools are discussed. (CR)

Describes the learning specialist's role in implementing corrective or remedial programs. Notes that resistance to programs often develops when cooperating classroom teachers are asked to change their teaching styles or strategies. Presents eight guidelines for establishing trust and reducing or eliminating resistance. (MM)

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)

This book is about the relationship between cooperation and social responsibility and children's self-esteem. This book shows teachers how to teach children skills that aid cooperation and social responsibility. Chapter 1 examines the problems with competitive and individualistic teaching strategies. Cooperation is explored in greater detail in…

Detailing a collaboration between an elementary school teacher and a middle school teacher, this book is about making connections--connections that make learning meaningful for students and teachers. The book describes how the teachers worked to bridge the gap between content area subjects and the gap in their understanding of each other's…

Provides a brief overview of the research on cooperative learning, and describes several classroom grouping techniques useful for all grade levels and subject areas. Discusses group retellings, associational dialogue, dyadic learning, needs grouping, the buddy system, cybernetic sessions, and research, interest, ability, tutorial, random social,…

Advisory groups have played an essential role in improving the school climate and conditions for young adolescents in schools. How middle school decision makers go about the process of designing or re-designing an advisory program needs to be considered. A discussion is presented of the background information that helps define advisories. It…

A partnership between Mount Holyoke College and a cash-starved school system led to the opening of Holyoke Magnet Middle School for the Arts. Only 20 percent of the school's budget is funded by the district; more than $500,000 is raised from outside public and private sources. Offers fund-raising tips. (MLF)

Concerns about and characteristics of family/school partnerships are the theme of this issue of a "newsletter for the on-line administrator." Because of the changing natures of students, families, and schools, school administrators must take a leadership role in facilitating parent involvement in education. The six major types of involvement for…