Evidence suggests that a middle school organizational design has some administrative advantages over the traditional junior high school program because of the more unified social and academic atmosphere. (LH)

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.…

Middle school principals should seek to alleviate the frustration of teachers, make efforts to help parents understand preadolescents' development, assist students in their total development, and work at developing a supportive educational climate. (MLF)

Describes a framework for moving from the general school effectiveness factors to specific practices and behaviors focusing on strong leadership by the principal. Outlines the general functions of instructional leadership, then narrows to one function, monitoring student progress, and derives specific principal behaviors. (MLF)

Middle level principals should take the leadership role now in responding to the issues of (1) reduction of middle level teacher ranks to meet the coming elementary and high school teacher shortage and (2) the need for computer literacy training for teachers. (MLF)

Practical guidelines for new middle/junior high and secondary school principals are offered in this paper. Specific suggestions are made for becoming familiar with the school, staff and students; organizing for instruction, including hiring and master scheduling; handling administrative business functions, which include clarifying staff roles,…

Principals can help at-risk students in the middle school by identifying them early; scheduling them with counselors and teachers who can meet their needs; keeping in close contact with teachers about student grades; and offering opportunities for academic success. Finally, the entire staff must support the philosophy that failure is not an…

Given that grouping students homogeneously has proved to be more deleterious than beneficial to student learning and self-concept, principals of middle level schools have the responsibility to implement more heterogeneous grouping arrangements in their schools. Grouping programs that provide multiple criteria for determining student ability and…

To determine if a significant relationship exists between the conceptual systems of principals and academic achievement, nine hypotheses were formulated stating that there is no statistically significant relationship between student achievement and the complexity of school environment, emphasis on academic achievement, professional training…

A brief history of East Ridge Middle School in Connecticut illustrates the strong economic and demographic pressures that can work against a middle school. The principal plays a crucial role in preserving both the structure and the programs of an effective middle school. Points out strategies to protect and develop middle schools in tough economic…

Middle level schools have special needs because of the characteristics of the age group served. Staff development is crucial for middle schools. Its purposes and major planning components are presented in this paper. Most mid-level educators were prepared for elementary or high school teaching and have a limited knowledge of early adolescent…

Change to a middle school brought some complaints from teachers, parents, and students. A principal describes the forces to maintain the status quo and shares her strategies and solutions. Lists nine factors that illustrate the difference in perspective from the traditional approach of education to one of educating students for the twenty-first…

Developed as a guide for school leaders faced with the task of restructuring a school, this guide is a comprehensive look at the notions of restructuring and reform. It provides a comprehensive definition of restructuring, three outstanding representative examples, and a systematic process for implementing and managing change. Written to provide…

This handbook describes skills and competencies that are consistent with the most generally accepted middle school philosophies. These include the philosophy that middle schools should be student-centered, should ease the transition to high school, emphasize an integrated curriculum, and implement instruction that emphasizes active learning.…

Based on Larry Hutchins' analysis of the school effectiveness literature, the Profile of School Excellence (PRO-S/E) is a diagnostic tool keyed to 11 instructional and organizational variables which are positively related to effective/excellent schools and which are alterable. The variables are: needs basis; objectives; expectations; roles and…