Provides some time-saving and purposeful evaluation strategies that can be used with various writing projects and reports. Explains 10 hints directed toward what to do while the student is still writing and 5 hints for grading writing. (11 references) (MLF)

"Teaching Ten to Fourteen Year Olds," by Chris Stevenson, describes the author's odyssey as a teacher. Although scholarly and well researched, the book is filled with stories and anecdotes. Many of the teaching strategies are explained in detail. (MLF)

Research findings show that mathematics is better learned by students experiencing it through manipulatives. However, interviews with 30 teachers of fourth through eighth grades reveal that many teachers were uncertain of how to use the manipulatives and felt manipulative instruction to be inappropriate for students above the fourth grade. (eight…

Results of a recent study indicate that, when students write about relevant, personal experiences prior to reading a literary text, their understanding and engagement in the text are significantly improved. Recommends autobiographical writing before a reading assignment. (22 references) (MLF)

An advisory program at Wantagh Middle School in New York includes volunteers and almost every member of the staff. The goal is to provide an adult advocate for each child who will not only see each advisee each morning but will monitor progress and be the first line of communication between home and school. (MLF)

Challenges middle school teachers to broaden their definitions of both families and the roles that families can play in enhancing middle school effectiveness. Outlines six steps, supported by research from education and business, for recruiting families for middle schools. (15 references) (MLF)

A survey instrument published in the September 1991 issue of this journal aimed at middle-level teachers contained 30 demographic, forced choice, and open-ended questions. Responses from 4,017 persons are presented in this initial report. Numerical data, along with interpreted ideas and opinions, and direct quotes from open-ended questions are…

Challenger Middle School (Colorado) has an intramural sports program that uses two unique concepts known as "scramble" and "cluster" coaching. The goal is to provide each child the opportunity to compete, develop skills, and experience success. Intramural participants are invited by coaches to compete against other schools…

Safe, noncontroversial social studies textbooks are neither meaningful nor necessary according to many students. As an alternative, teachers can integrate well-written trade books into the social studies curriculum. Well-researched diaries, journals, biographies, and autobiographies should become an integral part of the curriculum. (28 references)…

Profiles 7 middle-school teachers from a group of 32 outstanding middle-level teachers throughout the country that were surveyed, interviewed, and shadowed. Lists 10 attributes that they all share, including investment in personal and professional development and an attitude of commitment and self-confidence. (MLF)

Canandaigua, NY, is in midst of study to convert junior high program to a middle school program. Responses from 105 families to survey materials sent to 780 student homes indicate parents care more about how children feel about themselves than about how children perform in the school setting. Parents want their children to be strong in basic…

The following factors can influence the form and quality of what is stored in memory: (1) position of new learning; (2) meaning in new learning; (3) transfer of information; (4) verbal cues; (5) image cues; (6) spacing effect; (7) rehearsal and practice; and (8) organization of new information. (MLF)

Study findings indicate that ongoing communication and collaboration among teachers play a critical role in promoting successful technology integration and that administrators need to establish ways to facilitate collaborative effort. (six references) (MLF)

Describes a reading program for gifted middle school readers designed to increase critical reading ability and student appreciation of literary technique and broaden understanding of sophisticated vocabulary. (MLF)

A middle school placed spelling instruction as a regular part of the first-hour class that had extended time for writing. Each teacher was responsible once every four weeks for providing a spelling unit related to his or her subject matter. (MLF)