Teachers who view their students simply as academic learners fail to consider the impact of each student's affective state on achievement at middle school. Teachers' indifference to students' (mis)treatment of each other project an insensitivity to students' right to a civil school environment. The best teachers maintain a caring, nurturing…

Notes that young adolescents arrive at school greatly influenced by their home environments and are then influenced by school experiences. Notes that students with risk factors at home and school have difficulty succeeding. Recounts story of a young adolescent male to illustrate impact of school and home on school performance, highlighting the…

Proposes that a local homework club can provide the type of setting that supports a school's instructional priorities. Notes that homework clubs are also important because they foster individualization of instruction. Discusses key elements of effective homework clubs. Suggests that club activities can be enhanced through effective staff…

Social cliques start around fourth or fifth grade and get worse through middle school and beyond. The cool vs. the uncool. Nerds, jocks, popular kids and outsiders--students are categorized by their peers and excluded by those different from them. Students who are not part of the "cool" crowd feel isolated and lonely and are often subjected to…

The dramatic ups and downs so often witnessed in adolescents are the result of changes in their brain activity. It is vital that the emotional and psychological needs that arise from such intense brain development are acknowledged and addressed so that middle school becomes a safe environment for the budding adults.

Young people in trouble can be seen as passive victims of circumstance who are in need of help; as individuals responsible for their own behavior who need to be punished; or as sufferers from medical conditions who require treatment. This paper will examine the history of policy relating to pupils with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties…

Discusses the importance of enthusiastic, knowledgeable teachers in teaching science to middle school students. Maintains that when teachers create environments that foster curiosity, encourage risk-taking, and involve students as co-learners, the textbook is included as a guide and resource with several other materials. Questions the notion that…

Children today face unprecedented fears, many of which were previously faced only by adults. The paper examines the results of a nationwide survey conducted by the organization "KidsPeace" about children's (ages 10-13) fears, discussing what teachers can do to provide students with the support and guidance they need. A list of resources to help…

Contends that supportive teacher-student relationships can benefit students' social, behavioral, emotional, and academic health. Offers five recommendations for teachers working with adolescents with high incidence disabilities: (1) provide students adult support within school; (2) teach skills for building strong adult relationships; (3) focus on…

This Kids Count report of the Action Alliance for Virginia's Children and Youth reviews the role of schools, bullying, media, family violence, gangs, and substance use in the violence experienced by children and young people in Virginia and the United States. The report finds that increasing numbers of young people experience violent images and…

Discusses the need for reform at the middle school educational level. Suggests that middle schools should create an environment that reflects and responds to young adolescents' needs and developmental level. Effective middle school teachers must adopt new modes of teaching as they face the challenges and opportunities presented by changing…

Recommends that teachers nurture students' emotional intelligence by teaching coping skills, how to acquire and use information, how to work with others, and how to manage personal growth. Discusses usefulness of emotional intelligence during transition to middle school, and suggests educators involve students in common activities that foster…

Details position of the Association for Childhood Education International regarding best practice for child-centered middle schools. Makes recommendations regarding curriculum, instructional practices and learning environment, guidance and counseling, textbooks and materials, teacher qualifications, and administrative and community support. (KB)

Presents an interview with Dr. John H. Lounsbury, Dean Emeritus at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, and publications editor for the National Middle School Association. Issues discussed include changes in young adolescents' education; the influence of societal changes, educational reform, and technological development in the…

Discusses the needs for restructuring the curriculum, instruction and environment of middle schools to better meet the needs of learners and teachers. Suggests that most reform today is moving toward a developmentally appropriate, child-centered approach. Issues under consideration include a definition of developmentally appropriate programs at…