The progress of sixth-graders in elementary and middle schools was compared in terms of achievement test scores, attendance, discipline, and grade point average. Three groups of sixth-graders from the Austin schools were examined: (1) 1987-88 sixth-graders for 3 years (grades 6, 7, and 8); (2) 1988-89 sixth-graders for 2 years (grades 6 and 7);…

The second phase of a 3-year project examining the effect of a process approach to writing instruction on students' expository reading and writing skills, a study determined the impact of three writing programs that emphasized different aspects of a process-oriented writing environment. Data were gathered from 159 fifth and sixth grade students…

A critical ingredient for understanding the experiences that students undergo in the transition from elementary school to junior high school is the students' changing perceptions. The Ecological Perspectives for Successful Schooling Practice Junior High School Transition Study tapped the perceptions of students in transition using data from two…

Written in response to requests from local school districts in New York State, this document provides information about the middle grades (grades 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) and the changing nature of students in these grades. The first section reports results of studies on this difficult developmental period that were conducted by three New York school…

This handbook outlines the grade 6 course entitled "Our World, Its Diverse Peoples, and Their Societies." A statement of the California philosophy of history-social studies education precedes the handbook's three sections. The first two sections present major goals of the overall program, an overview of social studies content for grades…

This report describes an exemplary Oregon middle school that incorporates a comprehensive program of academic instruction and activity, a community of dedicated staff and involved students, and an orderly environment marked by a businesslike approach to teaching and learning. Outstanding components of Philomath Middle School's climate for learning…

This family life education teaching unit comprises 11 lessons whose primary purpose is to help Latino students, grades 5 through 8, identify cultural pride as a source of self-esteem. Student activities include the following: (1) describe how being part of a cultural group contributes to a sense of uniqueness; (2) identify cultural similarities…

This student workbook is comprised of 11 lessons to help Latino students, grades 5 through 8, develop self-esteem through cultural pride. Each lesson begins with an illustration that reflects the content of the lesson, and an introductory page. The introductory page includes the following: (1) a "dicho," a proverb or saying used to pass…

An outline of the knowledge and skills to be taught at grade six in order to meet the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) social studies objectives is provided. Material is divided into four parts. Following an introduction, a one page description overviews the curriculum topic for grade six, world cultures and geography, and…

This publication contains reference materials and activities for teachers in a staff development program in New York City, teaching grades 3 and 6. The program combines content and methodology. Sections in the publication include: (1) Student Verbalization Resources; (2) Manipulative Resources; (3) Probability, Statistics, and Graph Resources; (4)…

Florida's Statewide Assessment Program of the State Department of Education has been involved in a major effort to develop adequate strategies for releasing and publishing assessment scores for schools. One dimension of this effort has been the development of predicted or "adjusted" scores. These scores compare a school to other similar…

This sixth-grade level social studies framework is intended to help teachers develop programs best suited to their students' needs. There are two main sections to the guide: a teacher notebook and a syllabus. The teacher notebook elaborates on the key features of the program, suggesting relevant classroom applications. Discussed are concept and…

This guide presents the "minimum teaching essentials" published by the New York City Board of Education for grades 5-9. Subjects covered include: (1) communication arts; (2) English as a second language; (3) foreign language; (4) home economics; (5) industrial arts; (6) library skills; and (7) typewriting. Study skills for these areas…

The 40-item test measures fifth and sixth graders' ability to use inquiry skills in social studies. The test is unique in that it requires minimal prior knowledge of social studies and allows students to apply processes associated with higher cognitive thought. It can be used with any social studies program. The test has a multiple-choice format…

Sixth grade students' attitudes toward school were studied to determine if outdoor education investigations conducted on the school site and in the community would effect a positive change, similar to the change noted with students involved in residential outdoor programs. An experimental group of 28 students participated in outdoor activities…