Identifies the personal characteristics needed by middle grade teachers to successfully teach young adolescents (e.g., sensitivity, enthusiasm for teaching, and ability to involve students in learning). Recommends that middle grade teacher preparation focus on a continually reviewed and refined knowledge base, school-based practica, and…

Presents a middle school teacher's observations concerning young adolescents (e.g., inconsistency is consistent, identification with others affords continuity, and they see others seeing them and seek ways to expend energy). Offers guidelines for promoting adolescents' moral growth (e.g., provide parent education and promote thoughtful critique of…

Discusses a study of the perceptions of creativity of 101 highly motivated, academic achievers from 2 New Jersey high schools, focusing on the characteristics (i.e., gender, and grade level and subject taught) of their most creative teachers. Presents students' perceptions of creative teaching style. (DMM)

Discusses the developmental needs of young adolescents (e.g., self-exploration, meaningful participation, positive social interaction, physical activity, competency, achievement, structure, clear limits, appropriate curricula, knowledgeable and understanding educators, and integrated learning). Identifies ways Catholic schools can help meet these…

Reviews studies of the characteristics of Catholic high school teachers; differences between religious' and layteachers' perceptions of the role of Catholic school teachers; and instructors' concerns with the purpose and staffing of Catholic high schools. Discusses the schools' dual purposes of academic development and faith formation. (DMM)

Explains the rationale for and operation of the four basic middle school organizational components (i.e., interdisciplinary team organization, flexible scheduling, exploratory courses, and advisor-advisee programs), and their implications for Catholic education. (DMM)

Relates program preferences of Catholic school teachers regarding in-service training. Cites greatest interest in programs dealing with discipline in the classroom, personal and social problems facing youth, development efforts toward improving teacher effectiveness, and teacher involvement in decision making. (PAA)

Reviews recommendations of the Carnegie report "Turning Points: Preparing American Youth for the 21st Century" with respect to the internal restructuring of middle schools and ways of integrating community and parental support. Discusses suggestions concerning small learning communities, core academic programs, ensuring student success,…

A policy is proposed to enhance recruitment and retention of quality teachers in Catholic schools. Teachers would receive educational scholarships based on years of service, redeemable for the educator or the educator's dependent child. Such tuition scholarships would provide incentive for persons to enter or stay in teaching. (SLD)