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…

Describes a situation in which a teacher's behavior reinforces students' rejection of another student in middle school. Highlights the need for educators to teach about morals, values, courtesy, character, and related concepts. Maintains that teachers should share the responsibility of developing students' characters with community members and…

Discusses the importance of classroom environment and teacher role in middle school students' literacy learning. Focuses on redesigning the literacy classroom to enable students to read and write better and engage them in literacy events. (JPB)

Discusses ways to make middle school classrooms student-friendly by motivating students to take control of their education, understand themselves, and assess their own progress. Notes the teacher's role in this student-centered classroom. (JPB)

Discusses the experience of including a deaf and academically delayed student in a middle school classroom. Notes the team teachers' and students' efforts to modify instructional and social situations to benefit all students, including modifying assignments, participating in class activities, using the community as a classroom, and assigning…

Examines gender discrimination in middle schools and its societal and familial expressions. Discusses gender-discriminatory school policies and classroom practices. Maintains that the most profound effect of gender discrimination occurs during middle school years, that teachers need to become aware of their bias and take corrective action, and…

Teachers who recognize the value of working together can put their belief into practice through the use of collaboration and cooperative learning methods. Lists 19 characteristics of a well-functioning and collaborative team. (MLF)

Maintains that duality of middle school teacher commitments to significant academic learning and developmentally appropriate contexts has important implications for teacher roles, professional preparation, and continuing professional development. Describes teacher roles of student advocate, role model, supporter of diversity, collaborator, and…

Presents two examples of student experience: (1) Tiffany A, the bright, successful, popular student; and (2) Tiffany B, a student with a troubled home life and difficulties with learning. Reminds teachers never to judge a student by the appearance of outward successes, as high school success for these two students did not play out as expected. (SD)

Discusses one teacher's process of adopting curriculum integration principles. Notes the importance of listening to students and classic theorists, reconsidering the development needs of early adolescence, and developing teachers who seek curriculum integration. (JPB)

Discusses the significance of adult advocacy for middle school students' academic success and personal development. Provides a list of questions to focus faculty development of a teacher advocate system. (JPB)

Emerging adolescents should have ample opportunities to present creative ideas in written form. Some generalizations may be helpful in identifying and understanding the creative student. Creative people have been found to possess the following traits (Iris Tiedt, 1983): nonconformity of ideas, egotism and feelings of destiny, great curiosity, a…

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…

To provide opportunities for self-direction, middle-school educators must offer an orchestrated development plan aimed at the acquisition of attitudes and skills that allow and promote self-direction. Self-direction and self-help are becoming increasingly necessary as "high-tec" cultures move forward. Self-directed learners exhibit…

Describes the problems and associated issues related to the implementation of integrated curriculum at the middle school level. Summarizes this journal issue's feature section, whose base was a conference proceeding and which includes an annotated list of recently published sources dealing with curriculum integration and relevant research studies.…