Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) has become an increasingly popular multilevel method of analyzing data among nested datasets, in particular, the effect of specialized academic programming within schools. The purpose of this methodological study is to demonstrate the use of HLM to determine the effectiveness of STEM programming in an Ohio middle…

In 2005, the U.S. Department of Education awarded eight Striving Readers grants to projects around the country. The goal of Striving Readers is to improve literacy skills and achievement for struggling readers in middle and high school and to increase the research base using randomized clinical research to address improvement in adolescent…

"Saxon Math" is a textbook series covering grades K-12 based on incremental development and continual review of mathematical concepts to give students time to learn and practice concepts throughout the year. The series is aligned with standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and various states, and can be…

This paper investigates the growth of early adolescent self-esteem and self-concept as students progress through the middle level years (sixth through eighth grade). Based on mixed method longitudinal research conducted from 2004 to 2007, the study's findings suggest that this sample of 104 urban students' self-esteem changed most significantly…

Ethnic Neighborhoods Study, which is a six-week course developed for eighth graders at Ruffing Montessori School East, offers students an opportunity to research their own ethnicity, observe the social and cultural diversity of other people, and study one of the many nationality settlements in Cleveland. (MDM)

A six-week program of social service and education for eighth graders at Ruffing East Montessori School focuses on aging and connects each pupil with a resident of a local retirement community. Through reading, attending classes, keeping a journal, interviewing, and creative writing, the students develop a greater understanding of and respect for…

Attitudes toward middle school certification in Ohio were studied. The study concerned teachers and principals of schools containing grades 6 through 8. Results, obtained through an attitudinal questionnaire, indicated that type of district and position had no effect on the participants' attitudes. However, educational level (elementary, middle,…

This report provides selected results from the 2002 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for Ohio's public-school students at grades 4 and 8. Since 1992, reading has been assessed in four different years at the state level (at grade 4 in 1992 and 1994, and at both grades 4 and 8 in 1998 and 2002). Ohio participated in the 1992 and…

This document, which is intended for parents of Ohio students in grade 8, explains the purpose and content of the Individual Career Plan (ICP) and provides activities through which parents can help their children begin to think about career choice. The document begins with an overview of the ICP, which is a scrapbook-like document that Ohio…