In an attempt to stimulate students to apply themselves academically and develop their pride in their school a competitive program was designed to turn negative aspects into positive ones. (Author/RK)

Middle schools need three types of teachers: the conventional subject matter teacher, the service specialist or resource teacher, and the common projects specialist or core teacher. (Author/MLF)

Because of the learning experiences of thousands of school leaders during the last decade, the guidelines presented are more likely to lead contemporary educators to successful implementation rather than to reactionary upheaval or paper pretense. (Author/IRT)

Discusses Joan Lipsitz's 1984 treatise on ideal middle level school characteristics. Many middle schools' creative approaches to programing and instruction (through interdisciplinary team teaching, interest-based activities, thematic schoolwide events, creative problem solving, and hands-on experience) and responsiveness to young adolescents'…

Describes a Prescriptive Discipline Plan developed by teachers at a Florida middle school. The plan featured three offense categories: minor infractions handled by teachers, intermediate offenses (cheating, disrespect, and insubordination) handled by administrators, and serious offenses (fighting, assault, sexual misconduct) invoking automatic…

During a summer retreat, administrative staff at a Columbia, Missouri, middle school discussed the logistics of moving half of their students to a new facility during the middle of the academic year. This team-building effort helped form bonds that sustained administrators, teachers, and students during a difficult year. (MLH)

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between student reading achievement and the organizational health of five middle grades schools in North Carolina. The theoretical framework was based upon Hoy and Feldman's definition of organizational health, which links healthy school climates to improved learning environments and…

Describes the scheduling changes that allowed for program improvement at the New Platz, New York, Middle School. (DS)

Describes a program based on student-teacher discussion groups that resulted in improved student conduct and increased student participation. (IRT)

Argues for and gives ideas of how to involve more students in the activities of middle schools. (IRT)

This case study provides a practical view of the instructional leader's role in effecting change. Encompassing a principal's first three years in a suburban school district, the article shows how an enervated, dispirited middle school was reenergized and discusses replication possibilities. Includes eight references. (MLH)

The middle school athletic program should be based on the same philosophy governing academics and nonathletic activities. Essential criteria include total participation, no emphasis on winning, administrative and staff encouragement, short athletic sessions providing several choices, no tournaments or community "all-star" teams, appropriately…

Parent education programs can play a vital role in teaching parents about early adolescent development and behavior and the transition to the middle level. Middle-level educators can conduct a needs assessment, plan and implement sessions and topics, and serve as resource specialists. The result will be increased parent support for young…

A middle-school teacher gave up a successful pullout program for reluctant readers when appointed as an educational resource teacher. ERT does not exclude reluctant readers and allows all students to engage in numerous learning opportunities and activities. Teachers get support to incorporate reading and writing strategies across disciplines. (MLH)