Discusses the differences between applications of interdisciplinary philosophy to school organization and to curriculum. Details organizational and curricular arrangements, notes that the two organizational arrangements can support any of the curricular arrangements, but that the term "interdisciplinary" means one thing when it modifies school…

Falk School, the laboratory school for the University of Pittsburgh, has gradually developed a "personalized progress plan" that involves nongraded organization, multiple-age grouping, modified team teaching, and a carefully sequenced curriculum. (Author/MLF)

Explored the implementation of middle level reform components in both high- and low-performing middle schools, seeking to identify factors linked to student achievement. Found that organizational health, which includes academic focus, teacher affiliation, and resource support, more directly influences student performance than simple implementation…

First in a series of profiles to trace the intellectual roots of the modern middle-school movement through the thoughts and actions of five of its most influential revolutionaries. (seven references) (MLF)

Describes a house, multi-grade-level organization in which six or more educational specialists form a team whose primary concern is fulfilling the scholastic needs of the approximately 120 individual students for whom they share responsibility. (For availability, see EA 507 405.) (Author/IRT)

Middle school transition brings with it considerable change for those involved. Using corporate and industrial management theories and practices presents a rationale for wholesale and comprehensive educational change. (six references) (MLF)

All the people at Rhodes are optimistic that the humanistic approach of the house concept organization can offer students in large inner city schools the sense of family needed before any educational program can work. (For availability, see EA 507 405.) (Author/IRT)

Discusses "pods,""team areas," and "houses" as middle school physical environments that support the type of learning opportunities young adolescents need. Offers examples of such school designs from Cleveland, Tennessee; British Columbia; and Milledgeville, Georgia. Concludes by suggesting specifications for new middle school buildings. (EV)

Examined over 3 years high-achieving high-poverty middle schools to determine school practices and policies associated with higher student achievement. Found that high-poverty middle schools that are high performing acquire grants and manage money well, use a variety of teaming configurations, and use data-based goals to improve student…

Forming teams is the logical first step in the transition to middle school from junior high school. Offers 10 questions that middle-level educators should ask as they embark upon this new venture of interdisciplinary teaming. (13 references) (MLF)

Five years ago, the Huth Upper Grades Center in Matteson, Illinois, the only junior high school in the district, began incorporating significant elements of a child-oriented middle school. Among these was the assignment of students to one of five multidisciplinary teaching teams, called clusters. Available from NMSA, P.O. Box 968, Fairborn, OH…

Explains why block scheduling has become accepted practice at the secondary level and describes potential benefits for middle level schools. Shares common scheduling approaches and discusses their appropriateness for use at the middle level. Presents alternative models that would permit middle school faculties to capitalize on the benefits of…

The Delphi technique was employed on a random sample of National Middle School Association members to identify topics of needed research in middle school education and to seek consensus on the usefulness of each research topic. Available from NMSA, P.O. Box 968, Fairborn, OH 45324. (Author)

Examines five main directions and solutions for the development and delivery of middle level education in New Zealand: (1) intermediate schools becoming middle schools; (2) stand alone four-year middle schools; (3) middle school- within-a-larger school; (4) interschool cooperation; and (5) middle level approaches and methods implemented in…

Examines the education of young adolescents in New Zealand. Specifically examines: (1) background history of middle schooling in New Zealand; (2) growth of interest in middle schooling; (3) case studies of three different schools; and (4) factors common to successful New Zealand middle schools. (SD)