This paper presents a synthesis of several studies that support the hypothesis that properly scaffolded design problems lead to the types of convergent thinking and knowledge integration that have been difficult to achieve in the Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE) system. The focus is on a middle school science unit on…

One of the most pernicious effects of stress is its effect on the ability of children and youths to function in the classroom. This study examined the factor structure of the Coping Resources Inventory for Educational Enhancement (CRISEE), an instrument designed to measure the coping resources and stressor load of children and youth. Participants…

This paper presents an overview of the affects of sexual harassment on middle schools and discusses what can be done to prevent it. This paper suggests that school personnel must educate students about sexual harassment, and videos can be a particularly effective way to do this. Recent studies have shown that 81 percent of all students, grades 8…

Students must understand that sexual harassment is a big deal, and that it is against the law. To facilitate discussion on this serious subject, this booklet contains materials for a sexual harassment course designed for middle school and high school students. A video, "STOP IT! Students Speak Out About Sexual Harassment," is designed to be used…

Middle-level education has become a fixture in our educational system. This collection of essays provides the opportunity for readers to examine current policies, programs, and practices in light of recent developments at the middle level. Nine essays include: (1) "Why Middle Schools?" (Donald Eichhorn); (2) "Organizing Middle Level Schools To…

This evaluation report describes a program designed to reduce substance abuse among students by establishing a comprehensive peer program in the middle schools (grades 6 through 8). The background of the project is reviewed, five important aspects of a peer helper program are listed, and three intervention strategies of peer assistance programs…

Recent debates among educators about the middle school curriculum involve three concepts: (1) middle school ought to provide a general education school in which the curriculum focuses on widely shared concerns of early adolescents and the larger world rather than specialization among separate subjects; (2) the curriculum ought to serve the…

A study determined the relationship between life stress and reading comprehension test scores on the IOWA Tests of Basic Skills. Subjects, 41 middle-school students attending Lincoln School in Garwood, New Jersey, were surveyed as to the amount of life stress prevalent in their lives. In addition, the Iowa scores for reading comprehension were…

This document presents a personal statement concerning the recommendations in "Turning Points," a 1989 publication of the Carnegie Corporation's Task Force on Education of Young Adolescents. This document suggests how the reformulation of middle grade schools along the lines recommended in "Turning Points" can improve the life chances of young…

Reports on violence prevention in an inner-city middle school. Interviews of students, deemed by peers and teachers as good at managing conflict, revealed eight themes. For example, student experts inoculated themselves in attitude to avoid violence; de-escalated situations when provoked; and believed the cost of fighting exceeds the reward. (RJM)

This study examined middle school students' reported awareness of strategic approaches they used when they had difficulty reading science text. Student responses indicated that they used text and social context to resolve comprehension difficulties but that they were largely unaware of the use of prior knowledge for the same purpose. (SM)

Investigates the strategic literacy knowledge, abilities, and potential of five Latino/a subjects (three were bilingual). Employs qualitative research methods and cognitive strategy lessons. Finds that students, with instructional support, implemented the focal strategies emphasized during the experiment and engaged in extended discourse which…

Discusses what middle-grade students need, and what language arts can provide. Describes language arts activities that connect with real-world issues and audiences, with big ideas and big events, with home and family, and with students' interests and talents. (SR)

Administrators should hire a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, motivated teacher who also has the ability to listen, the willingness to build relationships, and the ability to understand the middle level students' state of mind. (MLF)

Compared the effects of an examination preparation unit offered in small group counseling or classroom guidance formats on the performance of low-achieving and underachieving middle school students (n=77). Results indicated the intervention was generally ineffective. (ABL)