Concerns about middle level education began early in this century and will continue to be discussed by researchers and observers well into the next century. This digest examines the evolving characteristics and goals of middle level education, especially in terms of the most recent statements of purpose by major organizations in the field. Noting…

This study sought to demonstrate that Michigan middle-grades schools can become more effective learning environments for young adolescents. A total of 224 Michigan schools participated in a teacher and administrator survey, 101 of which also conducted student surveys, reaching over 45,600 students in the fifth to ninth grades. Part 1, "Early…

This 10-chapter report presents information on the 1986 assessment of students' science performance in the province of Manitoba in Canada. The assessment was intended to provide a broad base of accurate information on the performance of grade 3, 6, and 9 students. The program of studies for Manitoba schools is designed to educate the student in…

This report presents the findings of two phases of a study of Asian limited-English speaking middle school and high school students' experiences in sheltered classes as compared with mainstream classes in the School District of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). The study involved focus group interviews conducted with 114 English as a Second Language…

The purpose of this practicum was to increase motivation and self-confidence of grade four students in mathematics achievement. Measured were the increase in the number of students displaying mastery of the times-tables, increase in the number of students making a gain on a math post-test, and increase in the number of students liking mathematics.…

Describes programs of the Close Up Foundation for young students. Discusses group projects developed for the Civic Achievement Award Program that emphasize community service and cooperative learning. Concludes with a description of plans to develop Close Up programs for the elementary grades. (CFR)

When teachers possess detailed knowledge about children's thinking and problem solving, it can profoundly affect their knowledge of their students and their planning for instruction. Reported is a project designed to demonstrate the feasibility of redesigning courses for prospective teachers in mathematics and science by incorporating into the…

This paper reviews and critiques empirical evidence concerning knowledge gaps and misconceptions among secondary school students, parents/guardians, and educators about postsecondary education and student financial assistance opportunities and prerequisites, in particular, how Michigan's middle school based Project Awareness may affect student…

Recognizing the necessity of examining the needs of early adolescents and changing the focus of middle grades education in Australia, this report describes the findings from the Northcote Network of Schools, 8 primary and 2 secondary schools collaborating to develop continuity and coherence across grades 5 through 8. The paper outlines activities…

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program for increasing student engagement and retention through the use of authentic assessment and cooperative groups. The targeted population consisted of one sixth grade class in an elementary school and two ninth grade classes in a high school located in different communities in the far…

A project involving prospective social studies teachers as collaborators in an experimental investigation is described. The study was undertaken as part of the course requirements for an integrated educational psychology/secondary methods course. The course was intended to ameliorate the fragmentation of the coursework and lack of coherence…

Three magnet middle schools which were established as part of a voluntary desegregation plan in a school system in a large, American city are described in this report. The schools are examined as organizations that differed in their innovative educational approaches to bring about desegregation. One school offered a system of open education, in…