Correlational findings based on 423 students in sixth and seventh grades indicate that prosocial and antisocial behavior are related significantly to grade point average and standardized test scores and to teachers' preferences for students and academic behavior. The role of social behavior in promoting classroom learning is discussed. (SLD)

Task engagement and conceptual change were studied for 12 sixth graders in 2 classrooms where teachers and instructional materials provided students with extensive support to understand science better. Results indicate that some students recognize the value of science learning and demonstrate cognitive engagement, whereas others pursue alternative…

Analyzed survey-based information on state policies and school practices together to explore the impact of content-driven state education reform on instruction in middle-grades mathematics. Found that content-driven state policies have great influence on instruction at the school level, and are associated with desired instructional practices at…

Examined teachers' understanding of the moral development of middle level students via prediction of student responses to the behavior of fictitious students in ethical dilemma situations. Found that teachers were able to predict characters which students admired least, but were unable to predict characters the students most admired. (Author)

Asian-Americans' exceptional academic achievement has generated a great deal of interest on the part of educators in search of explanations for the phenomenon. In particular, Asian-Americans' mathematics achievement has been remarkable and many studies have found these students outperforming students from other ethnic groups. A study was conducted…

ASETS (Achieving Sex Equity Through Students) is a peer leadership program designed to prepare Michigan high school students to develop and present sex-equitable career-related programs to middle school students. The emphasis is on career decision making based upon career interests rather than gender. This handbook is a guide for a 2-day workshop…

This paper examines the interests, perceptions, and participation of 16 African American girls in a program designed to improve girls' persistence in science, mathematics, and technology (SMT). The girls are among 33 African American and 73 total original participants in "Rural and Urban Images: Voices of Girls in Science, Mathematics, and…

In an attempt to teach empathy and language awareness to her middle school students when a limited-English-proficient student entered her class, a teacher conducted an experiment in which she began each class in French. Student bewilderment became appreciation, and a class discussion of foreign language learning ensued. The students unanimously…

This study examined the issue of gender equity among middle school students. Literature of the past 20 years was reviewed, showing that bias in schools still exists. The purposes of the study were to determine if changes in attitudes and behaviors have occurred as a result of gender equitable treatment and to ascertain if exposure to inequitable…

This parent guide addresses common parent concerns about middle schools, focusing on the Long Beach (California) Unified School District. It provides a quick reference to different aspects of the child's middle school education and encourages parent involvement. Sections describe how parents can make a difference for the child in the home and in…

This qualitative study determined the behaviors and strategies used by 12 high potential, middle school students when they did not feel challenged in school. Teacher reaction to these behaviors was also documented. Data analysis revealed that these students engaged in the following behaviors: (1) selective attention, (2) focused curricular…

This is a study of two sixth-grade classes at Bayshore Middle School (Middletown, New Jersey) who were enrolled in a 7-week keyboarding class. The first class met from October 31 through December 23, 1994; the second class met from January 3 through March 1, 1995. The instruction of the first group was teacher directed, and the students typed from…

This document provides narrative portraits of early adolescents in middle school and junior high school as described by preservice university students majoring in middle level education. The observations were made during a course titled "Middle School Programs and Practices," which develops the middle school concept across different…

It is widely believed that a child's imagination ought to be stimulated and developed in education. Yet, few teachers understand what the imagination is or how it lends itself to practical methods and techniques that can be used easily in classroom instruction. This book offers practical help for teachers who want to engage, stimulate, and develop…

This report summarizes the work of the Connecticut Task Force on the Education of Early Adolescents, which convened to make recommendations for reform policies in middle grade education. Prompted by a report issued by the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, this report is the result of efforts to define the specific tasks that needed to be…