Discusses the advantages and problems of multi-year instruction or "looping." Looping improves relationships, increases student achievement, strengthens school-home partnerships, increases parental support, promotes discipline, and increases academic time. Briefly describes Tolland Middle School's implementation of multi-year…

Educators at a West Hartford, Connecticut, middle school continually "sell" this large school to the community, enlighten parents about its programs and practices, and welcome more than 300 fifth graders from 5 diverse neighborhood schools yearly. The transition program begins in March and progresses through eight months of activities,…

Educators at a Connecticut middle school are creating programs to help students develop more positive self-images within a safe, supportive learning environment. Schoolwide restructuring efforts led to teams of professionals concerned with school learning climate, team teaching, monitoring of pupil progress, staff development, at-risk students,…

Several barriers may prevent teachers from using an integrated curriculum, including insufficient preparation and an individualistic or accountability-driven school culture. A Farmington, Connecticut, middle school encourages its teachers to develop an interdisciplinary curriculum aligned with performance assessment. Teachers receive training in a…