Describes a framework for moving from the general school effectiveness factors to specific practices and behaviors focusing on strong leadership by the principal. Outlines the general functions of instructional leadership, then narrows to one function, monitoring student progress, and derives specific principal behaviors. (MLF)

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)

Reviews recent trends in grade organization and factors to consider in examining changes at the district level. Cites the lack of empirical evidence supporting any one form of grade organization as a reason for the range of patterns found in American school districts. Offers guidelines for accomplishing grade organization change. (Author/WD)

Reviews benefits of smaller class size based on research in elementary and middle schools such as higher student achievement. Concludes that high school students can also benefit from smaller classes. Calls for rigorous class-size research at the high school level. (Contains 41 references.) (PKP)

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…

Based on 12 years of involvement with advisory programs in various formats, this article underscores their benefits--including positive school climate, student proficiency at solving peer conflicts, and enhanced student self-esteem. Advisory programs, which serve a prereferral function, should be coordinated by the school counselor and scheduled…

The goal of technology education is universal technological literacy. Technology study in middle school must be more than an added science curriculum unit. Three instructional approaches predominate: student projects, technological problem solving (design under constraint), and modular technology education. The National Middle School Association's…

Nativity Prep, a small, inner-city Roman Catholic middle school seeks to provide an environment that helps students excel in their studies and their personal development. The school has few discipline problems due to its small size; its strict, highly structured academic climate; its underpaid and devoted faculty; and its practice of praying…

Discipline in the urban middle school is a rehabilitative process requiring accurate adult perception of the kinds of behavior problems which interfere with student achievement. (Author)

Tips are offered on how to ease the transition of students from elementary to middle level or junior high schools. A teacher-advisor program is proposed, and staff development modules are suggested to help teachers assist students in the transition process. (TE)

Middle schools are here to stay. The overriding purpose of middle-level education continues to be that of providing programs based on the unique characteristics, needs, and interests of middle-level students. (Author/TE)

Author recapped some major recommendations made at a conference ten years ago as the introduction to the chapters that follow in this 1974 issue of the Bulletin. (Editor/RK)

Making several changes in concert was one reason, this writer maintains, why an Ohio middle school made forward strides in providing successful innovative programs for its emerging adolescents. (Editor)

Using birth statistics to indicate school enrollment trends, the author describes a hypothetical case in which a system reverts to the junior high arrangement after having tried the middle school set-up. (Editor)

The purpose of this study was to compare differences in the intellectual, interest, emotional, and social maturity levels of fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh grade pupils in elementary and middle schools. (Author)