Youth effectiveness training administered to a group of delinquent children in a Wisconsin Middle School caused no significant change in self-concept over the 10 weeks of the program. Measure used was a pretest, posttest model of the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. (CM)

To influence children in deciding not to smoke, a program, Wisconsin Athletes Against Cancer, was designed and implemented in grades four through eight. Athletes served as role models and delivered anti-smoking messages. Athlete preparation, the presentation format, and feedback and evaluation methods are discussed. (JN)

Replicates a 1980 study of Wisconsin junior high and middle school teachers that investigated the extent of teacher involvement in schoolwide and instructional issues, teachers' interest and expertise in decision issues, and teachers' job satisfaction. After a decade of explicit attention to enhanced teacher professionalism and empowerment,…

A middle school in River Falls, Wisconsin, exemplifies middle-level philosophy by providing individualized learning programs, a core curriculum, a guidance program, education for citizenship, and cocurricular activities. The school program emphasizes enhanced exploratory learning opportunities, team-teaching of core subjects, and a…

Examines how teachers use computerized comment menus on report cards and what teachers and parents think of the process, An analysis of report cards for 475 Wisconsin middle-school students shows teachers used comments most of the time. Only 52% of students received two comments. Most comments were positive. Parents and teachers found the practice…

A survey of representative schools in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois showed that most small and rural schools house middle-level students in buildings primarily designed for elementary or high school students. Middle level students often receive an inappropriate educational program that is not taught by teachers trained to understand and…

Evaluate effects of an outdoor "hands-on," cooperative science laboratory on seventh- and eighth-grade students' environmental knowledge levels and science-processing skills. Participating students' scores on the Integrated Processes Skills Test were significantly higher than those of nonprogram students. Results support involving…

The study described in this article investigated original student research using student-to-student telecommunications. Sixth graders gathered original data through Internet to answer their own questions about education in other countries. Student surveys and teacher observation indicated students found telecommunications highly motivating. (SM)

A middle school reform initiative, sponsored by the Program for Disadvantaged Youth of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation 4 years ago, has taken hold in 12 urban middle schools nationwide. The article discusses that reform, noting the lessons about change to accommodate student diversity that urban middle schools can teach. (SM)

Reports on interviews with school personnel to determine the intensity of K-8 exposure to prevention topics and teaching strategies and to describe the degree of school support for prevention topics. Results indicated that the topics and strategies considered most necessary for successful prevention were those least used. Support for school…