People often think that power only flows downhill in school. The author draws on his own research observations, as well as the philosophy of Michel Foucault, to offer more nuanced insights. He explains that power is not a "thing" people can possess and that it flows in multiple directions, forming a web of influence. These insights…

The following excerpt allows the reader to briefly peer into an ideal school setting: For the purposes of this paper, the fictitious school will be named Utopia Middle School or U.M.S. U.M.S embodies and exemplifies the perfect school. At U.M.S., the campus administrators perform at a level of excellence that motivates, empowers and supports all…

Presents information on the trends in educational costs and encourages middle school administrators to become active in shaping public opinion to support the schools. Available from the National Association of Middle School Administrators, G-10 Aderhold Hall, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; $10.00 annually. (IRT)

Shows several different approaches used by a middle school to improve reading. Discusses importance of instructional leadership to assist all students to become good readers. (RS)

Discusses ways to create and sustain strong teaching teams, including matching curriculum goals, complementary professional strengths, and exercise of autonomy. Elaborates the administrator's role in nurturing and supporting teamwork. (JPB)

Argues that the participatory leadership model is especially effective at the middle school level because the team concept is vital to the middle school construct. Asserts that principals who use such a model can truly become instructional leaders. (FL)

Proposes a method for creating a student-centered middle school that involves research, reexamining of traditional organization plans, and retraining of staff. (FL)

Interviews two principals of middle schools using integrated curriculum: Molly Maloy of Carver Academy, Waco, Texas, and Camille Barr of Brown Barge Middle School, Pensacola, Florida. Considers issues of transforming theory into daily practice, reforming and developing curriculum, and building teacher leadership. Provides backgrounds on the…

Recounts interview with a retired middle school principal and administrator, discussing ways to promote a safe educational environment by building a school community, including advisory programs, early intervention, curriculum, extended school day, smaller schools, and achievement for all students. Includes a biography for Bourgeois. (JPB)

Mandated standards do not pose a threat to developmentally responsive middle level programs; rather, how standards are interpreted determines their appropriateness for educating young adolescents. Differences in responses to mandated standards are reflective of an individual school's culture. Understanding culture and cultural leadership provides…

Prevention of teenage suicide and coping with it when it occurs is an increasing concern for middle-level principals. This article focuses on specific implications of the youth suicide problem for middle-level principals with considerations for other principals as well. (Author/TE)

Describes the advantages of small, private middle schools in terms of academics, environment, citizenship, and teacher-student relationships. (WD)

"Turning Points 2000" places more emphasis than the original volume on teaching and learning and the principal's role in focusing reform efforts on improving curriculum, assessment, and instruction. Teachers and administrators must strive to create a developmentally appropriate and intellectually challenging instructional program. (MLH)

Describes the founding of Washington, D.C.'s Brookland School, a preschool-to-grade-eight facility that embodies the middle school philosophy. (Author/JM)

One middle school principal stemmed the flight of white and middle-class black citizens from a Chattanooga school district and reopened a magnet middle school. Using staff development, she encouraged her teachers to learn how to work effectively to motivate students. (SM)