Describes a pilot program in which university faculty and school personnel of a nearby middle school cooperate to prepare preservice teachers for teaching in inclusive classrooms. Describes how the program began, the course content, the importance of observation for preservice students, using classroom teachers as models, and adaptations in…

This survey of student opinions attempted to ascertain the feelings of students toward their middle school. It dealt with student perceptions of classes, teachers, the instructional program and the school itself. (Author)

Orientation programs for students about to enter secondary school were the topic of discussion in this article. The needs of transfer students and suggestions for making their adjustment as pleasant as possible were considered. (RK)

The author argues that failing grades and grade repetition harm students and should be removed from the middle school. He presents a grading system of A-B-C-Incomplete which would eliminate grade repetition, encourage individualized instruction, and promote student self-esteem. (SJL)

Because Piaget's developmental stage theory indicates that many junior high students may still be functioning at the "concrete operations" level, the author suggests that middle-school teaching be changed to include more concrete, "hands on" activities. (SJL)

Finds sustained benefits to teachers two years after a summer hands-on science workshop for middle grades teachers. Discusses key elements responsible for the workshop's sustained success. (SR)

Discusses 10 ways that middle-school social-studies teachers can transform their teaching through computer-based technology. Emphasizes general concepts related to middle-school social studies, such as databases, e-mail, simulations, and the web. (SR)

Argues that middle-school social-studies educators should teach students skills to deal with the tremendous power of television in their lives. Discusses television viewing, television as a "good-bad" information source, and its connection to the middle-school curriculum. Discusses 11 media literacy activities that can be integrated into…

Argues that picture books are a significant resource in learning about literary elements. Discusses using picture books with middle schoolers in "text sets" (5 to 15 texts that relate conceptually in some way). Describes a two-week period during which eighth-grade students read and responded to text sets on themes (prejudice,…

Losses to the workforce and drains on the national economy posed by illnesses, injuries, and environmental hazards dictate that schools operate to prevent, intervene, and help resolve these social and personal health issues. The costs to society for the medical care of children born to addicted and abusive parents, exposure to smoke and pollution,…

The purpose here is to consider the need for the official (legal) and professional creation of three distinct entities within the public school systems: elementary, middle, and secondary schools. (Author)

Central Middle School in Newark, Delaware, is implementing PL 94-142 through its SCAPE program, which provides heterogeneous grouping, team teaching, and individualized instruction. The program is coordinated by a resource teacher who plans student placements and works regularly with each classroom teacher. (SJL)

Outlines characteristics of effective alternative programs for at-risk middle schools students, noting organizational, instructional, and interpersonal components. Describes a successful drop-out prevention program which operates as a school-within-a-school for sixth- through eighth-grade students, emphasizing multicultural education and…

Suggests what the mathematics curriculum in middle and secondary schools will be like in the year 2000. Looks at the preservice college or university preparation of mathematics teachers, and their role in the public schools. (SR)

Reports on a study of strategies used by U.S. History teachers at the eighth-grade level to motivate students to learn and student's views about teacher's strategies. Finds that teachers attribute less importance to the relevance of subject matter than to their attempts to stimulate student interest. (SR)