This study, commissioned by the Lucas County (Ohio) Health Department, was designed to assess parental beliefs and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS prevention for youth, particularly in middle and high schools. In November 1996, 400 telephone interviews were completed with parents of middle/high school students in Lucas County. Names were randomly…

In a recent survey of outstanding school administrators, 70 middle-school administrators acknowledged the importance of student well-being, staff collegiality, higher expectations, innovative attitudes, school climate, risk-taking, professional activities, values, and institutional mission. The ability to facilitate others' growth and create a…

There are numerous vital middle-school programs, including cooperative learning, advisory programs, interdisciplinary curricula, and exploratory activities that can invite costly lawsuits if not properly structured and supervised. Educators should follow district policies and procedures, develop classroom rules for all grade levels, give adequate…

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Middle School Questionnaire, produced by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was administered for the first time in North Carolina in 1995. The survey monitored high-priority health-risk behaviors, including: (1) weapons and violence; (2) suicide-related behaviors; (3) vehicle safety; (4)…

Describes how a culture of experimentation allowed a middle school to make significant changes in delivering instruction and programs, specifically, how the school became involved with school reform organizations and developed ongoing outdoor educational experiences for students. Traces how the culture developed to include teacher impetus,…