Principals should lead for social justice, particularly in support of marginalized and vulnerable students like lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) adolescents. This quantitative survey-based study collected data from 116 middle grade principals in Indiana to examine the implementation of antibullying policies and best…

The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of how successful secondary schools located along the Texas-Mexico border, particularly those enrolling predominantly Latino students, have supported high achievement among their student population and promoted parental involvement. The roles and perspectives of parents and school community…

Given the increased attention on school-based programs to decrease obesity and emphasize fitness among children, there is an alarming lack of attention on health and wellness of school administrators. This study investigated the work-life balance, health, and nutrition status of secondary administrators in one Midwest state using an online survey.…

Most bullying data to date have been gathered through student reports. This study surveyed 59 middle school principals to better understand their perceptions of bullying on their campus. The study found that compared to students, principals have a different awareness of bullying. In addition, nearly all of the principals considered the school very…

Discussion of five issues selected from National Association of Secondary School Principals' national study of middle level education and principalship. (DCS)

Students were electronically polled about the influence of the Internet in their education and ways teachers could use this resource to motivate them and increase their learning. Responses from the 956 adolescents showed that the school quest to increase student engagement could more often be met through online assignments that facilitate…

In an effort to learn more about the growth of middle schools in the sixties, the author surveyed a select sampling of middle and junior high schools to see if they in fact met the descriptions appearing in the literature. His findings are presented in this article. (Editor)

A recent survey of teachers and principals at 2,876 randomly selected elementary, middle, and secondary schools disclosed strong support for special certification for middle school teachers and counselors. However, teachers support special certification for principals, whereas principals do not. Both groups support coursework emphasizing…

A survey of junior high/middle school activity programs indicates that middle schools are falling into some of the same practices that have been criticized in junior high schools. (Editor)

As this survey of 18 Florida middle school principals shows, experienced junior high principals can make the transition to effective instructional leadership in newly reorganized middle schools if given proper support. Using team planning, these principals can create a harmonious balance of elementary and secondary perspectives--the hallmark of a…

Investigates relationships among students' engagement in five selected programmatic practices in 62 Missouri middle schools and student satisfaction with school. Although a curriculum based on young adolescents' developmental needs predicts students' satisfaction with school, more specific program concepts do not correlate with student…

Reviews current practices in middle schools. Includes a listing of 24 practices used in effective middle schools extrapolated from a survey of literature on effective schools. (MD)

This article reveals how junior high and middle school principals assess their job preparation and actual job requirements. The findings may be surprising. (Editor)

Reports the findings of a study comparing the perceptions of principals and teachers toward the performance of instructional leaders. Offers recommendations for improving the principal's effectiveness. (WD)

Reports trends and implications of interdisciplinary teaming practices in middle schools, based on findings from a national survey. Noting that nearly 80 percent of schools currently implement teaming, challenges principals and teachers to move beyond simple formation of teams to the creation of an infrastructure that supports high-performing…