Computers were successfully integrated into the mathematics program of fifth and sixth graders, with a special emphasis placed on learning to develop computer programs in order to develop skills in math problem solving. Such experience with computers can aid in the early attainment of advanced mathematical concepts. (Author/PB)

About four years ago, a rural Maine middle school abandoned its computer classes and integrated computers into its curriculum. Now, instead of using educational software or spending lots of time on training, students are writing stories with word processors, illustrating science diagrams with paint utilities, creating interactive reports with…

Outlines the essential conditions of cooperative learning. Describes six cooperative learning structures modeled in a reading methods class that can be used to create literacy activities appropriate in fourth through sixth grade. (SR)

Discusses the growing awareness of the important role of technology as it relates to both science and mathematics. Describes the Technology/Science/Mathematics Integration Project designed to integrate technology with science and mathematics at the middle school level. (JOW)

For a middle school, family involvement in school life begins with the orientation program for incoming students. An effective transition program can help parents and prospective students anticipate a new school's academic and social expectations. This article describes a Vermont middle school's transition program, highlighting planning and…

Discusses the use of primary resources in the teaching of middle school social studies. Describes a lesson in which students were given a copy of the Declaration of Independence, written in everyday language, and were asked to discuss and evaluate it. Suggests another activity based on Thomas Jefferson's writings. (SG)

Demonstrates how sixth graders became engaged with the daily journal of an eleventh grader and how this motivated them to write journals themselves. Discusses the varying topics they read and wrote about and how they learned from this experience. (PRA)

An advisory program at Wantagh Middle School in New York includes volunteers and almost every member of the staff. The goal is to provide an adult advocate for each child who will not only see each advisee each morning but will monitor progress and be the first line of communication between home and school. (MLF)

Home-school partnerships provide a strong support system. Besides encouraging parents, teachers, and students to work together for more effective learning and teaching, the system helps parents understand their emerging adolescents. A rural Pennsylvania middle school's "Steps to Success" program offers various activities involved with…

Summarizes results of a pilot study to determine how eight moral values stated by former Education Secretary William Bennett are learned by students in classrooms. According to students, teachers must follow the rules themselves to teach character education effectively. Respect is best taught through a hidden curriculum of modeling and quality…

Describes insights about students' motivation for literacy learning based on a student-researcher collaborative inquiry in a fifth- and sixth-grade whole-language classroom. (SR)

Teachers at a laboratory middle school in Evanston, Illinois, reconceptualized and revitalized an ailing student council according to some meaningful goals: empowering and involving all students, creating an atmosphere for cooperative action, and offering opportunities for service. There are three main arms to this action council (service,…

Describes the author's experience teaching poetry to a fourth-grade class, and how an inspired moment from one student (improvising a poem about an imagined hairstyle of poet Federico Garcia Lorca) led the entire class on a journey of inspiration. Looks at the route to that place of "inspired rightness." (SR)

Students can make connections with their school, teachers, parents, and community via the Internet. This article describes one junior high school computer teacher's experiences developing a school Web site and presents the student-created, student- designed links. It emphasizes the importance of equipping students, teachers, and parents with the…

Investigates forms of logical thinking in 75 students from three fifth-grade classes. Uses as instruments categorical and propositional syllogisms with unknown, doubtful, and contradictory facts. Shows relevant differences among the three classes, with increasing difficulties at resolution between the categorical and propositional syllogisms.…