After third grade, students' motivation and enjoyment of writing begins to wane, and this trend continues through most of their education. Middle grade students especially need high-quality writing instruction; however, many teachers report feeling inadequately prepared to teach writing. To combat these issues, teacher preparation programs should…

Data use is considered a key lever in school improvement processes, but the punitive pressure of high-stakes accountability can influence whether or not data use is enacted in ways which facilitate improvement. School leaders must learn to respond to high-stakes accountability in ways which lead teachers to feel safe, efficacious, and agentic with…

Due to low achievement among minorities and English Language Learners, a blue-ribbon panel was convened by NCATE to address the issue. It was determined that a transformation of teacher preparation was imperative. Out of this idea arose the clinical model for teacher preparation, which was deemed to be the important factor in preparing college…

This case study followed the implementation of the co-principal leadership model in a K-8 school district for three years. A district superintendent implemented the co-principal model to (1) resolve issues around merging existing schools with well-established principals; (2) provide leadership stability and succession planning; and (3) serve as a…

This article uses Dresang's dimensions of radical change to call attention to the evolving structures and features of novels for young readers being published today. The controversial topics and elaborate design features contained in contemporary novels, for example, the expansion of dystopic fiction, the disruption of traditional narrative…

Educators have long recognized that parental and community supports are important underpinnings for children's success in school. With respect to the teaching of writing, however, little research has been conducted to provide evidence of effective practices teachers use to involve parents and communities. As part of a national Canadian study of…

Developing and implementing curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory is central to successful middle grades education (Erb, 2005; Jackson & Davis, 2000; National Middle School Association [NMSA], 2003, 2010). However, as one language arts teacher suggests, it can be difficult to create curricula that meet these…

The author describes methods for using picture books to teach geography in middle school. Introducing students to geographic regions through narrative and visual text can provide background information about the area, stimulate student interest in the culture, and facilitate student comprehension of geographic concepts. The author provides…

Although experts agree about what middle level teacher education programs should include, the majority of middle school teachers do not have specialized training. Middle level mandatory certification is necessary to induce middle school teachers to pursue special training. (MLF)

Iroquois Middle School (Michigan) has a five-fold and ongoing positive reinforcement program of birthday cards, student of the month, personalized report cards, positive notes and phone calls, and student awards. (MLF)

Describes the experience of a middle school library which instituted a no-fines policy, and summarizes the benefits of such a policy with regard to book losses and public relations. (FM)

The career education staff development effort in the Louisville Middle Schools is examined. Focus areas include: unique needs of the middle school student, training activities, barriers encountered, and factors contributing to the workshops' success. A figure illustrates the staff development plan. (CT)

Describes how writing with specifics can transform poetry, helping to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. Offers three of the author's own poems that illustrate the judicious use of detail. (SR)

When ranking Carnegie Corporation's 8 recommendations in "Turning Points," 34 principals of exemplary middle schools rated ensuring success for all students as most important, followed by creating a community for learning, empowering teachers and administrators, teaching a core of common knowledge, preparing teachers, reengaging…

Technology education is gradually replacing industrial arts. National Science Foundation's 1983 report "Educating Americans for the 21st Century" outlines program to help middle-school students develop skills, such as controlling and using "new" body, moving from concrete to abstract, establishing independence from adults, and…