Examines how interdisciplinary teaching teams were used in a midwestern middle school to produce a nontraditional work environment. Describes the following features of this environment: (1) interdisciplinary organization; (2) shared leadership; (3) focus on children; (4) principal's influence; and (5) integrated programing of children. (JS)

Describes the collaborative pedagogy, learning, and research of a teacher and a researcher and how their activities lead to affirmation and empowerment for their students who are Latino and Afro-Caribbean American. Also examines moral and ethical issues and tensions inherent in collaborative learning and research. (JB)