Discusses goals that will best support middle school students' development in reading and learning from text, including actively constructing meaning, learning about themselves and others, reading strategically, and enjoying reading. (SR)

Suggests that a school environment that stresses learning or task goals is more conducive to cognitive engagement than an environment that emphasizes the demonstration of ability. The initial results of a case study in a middle grades school illustrate how stress on task or ability goals affects the school learning environment and student…

Examined scientific reasoning in middle school science students and in scientists that analyzed phenomena explanations in class and in references. Found distinctions, but also reasons why student explanations do and should differ. The resulting conceptual model of student scientific reasoning in context emphasizes three contextual areas: available…

Sims and Stamper suggest that open and nonevaluative discussions of sexually abusive behaviors, causative factors, avenues for relief, and resources for assistance can provide abused students with the security they need to seek assistance and report abusive situations. Jones et al. describe a research study of personal stories of abuse and the…

A ten-year study of television viewing and content found that middle level students watch more television than any other age group. They are exposed to violence, sex, use of drugs, and sex role socialization in many programs. Schools can help students become discriminating consumers of television. (MLF)

This publication focuses on the knowledge base of middle school teacher preparation emphasizing organizing principles that define an excellent middle grades teacher education program. It is designed to complement the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and…

Discusses the importance of trust in leadership and organization in the middle level. Analyzes and measures school climate from the perspectives of organizational health on the teaching, administrative, and institutional levels. Subjects were 86 middle schools with data collected at regular meetings. Results indicated that trust and health…

Investigates book report policies and how they affect the volume of and attitude toward student reading. Recommends that educators establish a clear, reasonable book report policy; involve parents, teachers, and students in the design and implementation of a schoolwide or districtwide policy; keep developmental needs of early adolescents in mind;…

Surveys 40 middle-school language-arts teachers in 3 local public school districts. Finds that (1) most teachers believed it was important for their students to master grammar; and (2) teachers spend considerable time teaching grammar. Argues that grammar deserves a prominent place in the middle school curriculum. (RS)

Learning environment research should take into account postpositivist ways of thinking to assist students and teachers to construct a more emancipatory learning environment. A critical perspective could lead to research playing a larger role in the transformation of science classroom learning environments. Presented a case study of a middle school…

On the topic of agricultural education programs in middle/junior high schools, nine articles address developing self-concept, selecting materials, the benefits of agriscience contests, adopting new curricula, the role of Future Farmers of America in the development of adolescents, teaming science and agriculture, and the rationale for middle…

Discusses whether and how computer programing courses can teach problem solving. Provides results of an integrated set of studies of middle school programing students whose problem solving skills increased in a programing class. Argues that "exemplary" instruction is more efficient than "typical" instruction. Examines the influence of students'…

Describes a framework for examining mathematical discourse and shows how to apply this framework to appreciate the complex relationship between discourse and understanding in mathematics. Focuses on the role of discourse and the different types that emerge as students solve a particular task. (KHR)

Analyzes four informal science-related writing tasks produced by seventh-grade students (n=374) from two schools with different socioeconomic populations. Demonstrates that students' informal writing in the science context can provide a rich source of information regarding students' cognitive and attitudinal engagement with science. (Author/CCM)

Beginning teachers are often given teaching assignments that would challenge even the most skillful veteran teachers. Such assignments can take several forms: teaching in a subject area for which the teacher is not certified; having too many class preparations; "floating" from classroom to classroom; working with low-ability, unmotivated, or…