This study explores the nature of teacher-parent relations as perceived by principals at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Participants included 144 principals who completed a survey examining differences in parent and teacher involvement at each level, preparedness of first-year teachers to communicate with parents, and the types of…

At a Utah middle school with low reading achievement, a service-learning program was introduced to put reading into action. Children read to elderly shut-ins, quilted for homeless persons, and wrote about these experiences. Staff adopted the Community of Caring's core values: caring, respect, responsibility, trust, and family. (MLH)

This article examines and compares teachers in a national sample of middle level schools to those in a selected group of highly successful middle level schools. The context within which they work, their preparation, their level of implementation of middle level best practices, and their involvement as teacher leaders are discussed. Results show…

Case study explores visionary leadership in action by focusing on the strategies that some middle-school principals use before implementing schoolwide reforms. Finds that visionary leadership in action involves an initial exploration of possible change areas; discussions and education regarding the issues involved; and support, commitment, and…

Research identifying relationships between principals' instructional leadership behavior and academic achievement is problematic because it fails to consider the perspectives of the "consumer" (i.e., students). Consequently, this study investigated what students perceive principals do to influence their academic achievement. Students identified…

This study of grade-level advancement/retention policies and procedures in 10 school districts shows how retention policy and procedure are disconnected from retention research. Administrators and teachers experience ethical dilemmas when district policy and prescribed practice collide with realities that underlie student failure. However, acts of…

This mixed-methods study focuses on school improvement planning in middle schools in east Tennessee. Utilizing the improvement plans of 17 middle schools and surveys that were administered to 493 teachers and 35 administrators, this study found that there was (A) an overemphasis on academic goals, (B) an overreliance on the use of…

Middle schools emphasize exploration and articulation designed specifically for 10 to 14-year-olds. Yet the high schools often resist change, creating the possibilities of a traumatic transitional experience. (Author/MLF)

The authors believe that more attention should be directed toward instruction in death education. (Author/IRT)

Although experts agree about what middle level teacher education programs should include, the majority of middle school teachers do not have specialized training. Middle level mandatory certification is necessary to induce middle school teachers to pursue special training. (MLF)

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…

Iroquois Middle School (Michigan) has a five-fold and ongoing positive reinforcement program of birthday cards, student of the month, personalized report cards, positive notes and phone calls, and student awards. (MLF)

Early adolescence is a period of rapid physical and emotional change. Suggestions are offered that will make education for the early adolescent easier on everyone. (Author/MLF)

Study of sense of community based on survey of parents, teachers, and administrators of nine middle schools implementing parent-involvement programs found that parents' sense of community was positively affected by certain aspects of the program, for example, regular communications about student progress, and by the principal's leadership style.…