The in-school suspension program used at the Blue Springs (Missouri) Junior High School is carefully structured to focus student attention or productive academic work. This article describes the program and lists several questions that must be considered by those seeking to develop an effective program. (PGD)

Inschool suspension programs often fail due to lack of planning, inadequate financial support, insufficient monitoring procedures, inconsistent counseling and followup, and a poorly developed evaluation design. This article outlines 12 essential program elements and offers program design recommendations. (MLH)

Immediate steps must be taken to construct a plan to help middle school students make the transition to the high school. A Program Evaluation and Review Technique model for helping to construct such an articulation plan is provided in this article, and program sequence and timeline charts are included. (DCS)

Discusses research-based guidelines for designing effective service-learning programs. Success requires establishing clear goals, projecting desired outcomes, involving staff who support experiential learning, engaging administrators who support flexibility and staff development, involving community partners in planning, incorporating evaluation…

The Midwest Talent Search Project is an effort to identify and provide an appropriate accelerated curriculum for gifted secondary school students in the midwest. Many aspects of the project are discussed here, including testing, programming, benefits, and implications for curriculum reform. (Author/MCG)

Middle level program planning involves three phases over three years: developing a written school philosophy, designing the curricular program, and implementing the plan to meet objectives. (Author/DCS)

Explores various ways to assess and develop gifted students' leadership skills. (MCG)

Reviews 20th-century research on gifted students and on approaches to their education. Discusses recent federal and organizational initiatives and describes several current approaches to gifted education. Includes an extensive bibliography. (MCG)

Alcohol and drug abuse are a threat to our nation's adolescents. Principals can help combat substance abuse by establishing a positive school climate and by developing a counseling program for students with a substance abuse problem. (Author/TE)