A practicum used computers to improve the use of standard English and the attitude towards writing of a group of middle school students in a predominantly Nicaraguan neighborhood in a large metropolitan area. The project was directed towards 32 sixth- to eighth-graders of average ability who were enrolled in an introductory computer…

This report examines the stepfamily phenomenon and how stepfamilies are treated. After the introductory first chapter the second chapter provides a clear definition of what constitutes a "stepfamily" and explores some of the demographics regarding stepfamilies. Next the report examines the major issues with which stepfamilies deal. How these…

This sourcebook of over 100 Texas middle-school programs was developed to help educators implement intermediate-grade education concepts and practices in their schools. The volume is a companion publication to "Spotlight on the Middle: Report of the Texas Task Force on Middle School Education." The introduction mentions two offices in…

Developing self-motivated, empowered middle school students is an ongoing struggle for teachers and administrators. This practicum was designed to address the problem teachers have in finding specific teaching strategies that would help students become empowered and self-motivated learners. This study focuses on directly integrating techniques…

This monograph about counseling in the middle schools is an update from the first edition, which was published in 1980. The first section discusses the rationale for a middle level counseling program. It stresses the importance of a guidance program based on a thorough understanding of what is normal growth and development for youngsters at this…

Contends that middle school pupils need a specially designed curriculum with its objectives, learning opportunities, and appraisal procedures and that learners need ample time to interact with others in purposeful and motivational experiences. (PA)

Presents a conceptual framework for analyzing students' mathematical understanding, reasoning, problem solving, and communication. Analyses of student responses indicated that the tasks appear to measure the complex thinking and reasoning processes that they were designed to assess. Concludes that the QUASAR assessment tasks can capture changes in…

Devised counseling report card to provide parents of counseled middle school students with feedback about their child's participation in counseling and to enhance their understanding regarding nature of the child's counseling. Examined parent satisfaction with counseling report cards. Findings from 23 parents suggest that parents had favorable…

Presents information provided by Gesell Institute of Child Development on behavioral and attitudinal components expected at each age level for middle school students to help school counselors meet the developmental needs of these students. Developmental considerations are discussed; and implications for counselors are explored for 10, 11, 12, 13,…

Examined data, reported in adult client satisfaction research, from 48 middle-school children in group counseling. Data from Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short showed that client background and school-related variables were not significantly related to client satisfaction. Client satisfaction was related to session attendance but not to…

Three classes of middle-school students who received one year of problem-solving instruction (n=74) were compared with three classes who were taught in a more traditional manner (n=63). Students receiving problem-solving instruction showed more perseverance in solving problems, more positive attitudes, and more sophisticated definitions of…

Describes a school prevention program that emphasizes normal developmental needs of middle school students. The School Families groups, comprised of middle school students, teachers, and adults, met weekly during the school day to discuss issues related to academic performance, decision making, self-esteem, and social skills. Evaluation results…

This study examined the role that domain importance plays in mediating the relations between domain-specific (such as verbal ability, physical appearance, opposite sex relations, and honesty) and general self-perceptions. Focusing on two previous studies by Hoge and McCarthy (1984) and Marsh (1986), the current study was designed to address the…

Students' beliefs about science and their perceptions of its purpose and usage in everyday life affect their science world view which forms the framework they use to interpret their experiences and may influence their learning of science and their choice of science related careers. The purpose of the study reported in this paper was to investigate…

This pamphlet lists authors and titles of a collection of 554 young adolescent books presented to 40 Indiana colleges and universities. Books in the collection listed in the pamphlet were chosen by librarians, consultants, and teachers from five Indiana middle schools. A chart listing contact persons and the location (curriculum center in…