Evaluation is an important program component of RALLY and helps to document the gains that stem from this program. This article describes the quality of RALLY implementation and selected student outcomes of an exemplary RALLY program at an urban middle school. The findings showed effects on students' resiliency as well as academic success, as…

Reports the lessons a high school English teacher learned when she switched to teaching in a middle school. (JL)

Over the years there have been different terms for the idea of educating for character. Some of these are moral education, moral reasoning, values clarification, and ethics. But the basic idea of using schools to produce people of good character has been around for many generations. This volume explores the importance of including character…

Authors see the provision of an "aesthetic atmosphere" as one of their greatest challenges. One is an art specialist and the other is a principal. Outlines some of the ways in which they have successfully met that challenge. (Editor/RK)

This resource guide, for teachers and students in the upper elementary and middle school grades, has been developed in response to the nationwide interest in asking schools to play an active role in preparing students to become informed and responsible citizens. The guide is divided into seven sections, one for each character trait: Caring, Civic…

Success during middle school can translate to success in high school and the adult years. This monograph presents ways in which family and consumer sciences teachers can facilitate the learning of career development in the middle school. Middle level education is a unique challenge to educators because students at this level experience rapid and…

Applies components of visual literacy to language acquisition and the development of language skills. Lists visual language competencies, with examples and suggested learning activities. (RL)

This article offers an abbreviated curriculum to help middle school students learn to use humorous strategies to cope with stress. An introductory discussion reviews the literature on coping and the benefits of humor. Outlined for the curriculum are student goals, unit concepts and generalizations, differentiated learner objectives, differentiated…

The character traits children assimilate during their growing-up years will determine how they behave, how they see themselves, how they treat others, and the type of adults they will become. Children who develop character built on honesty, respect, diligence, and self control will be better able to handle the frustrations and disappointments of…

Presents a middle school teacher's observations concerning young adolescents (e.g., inconsistency is consistent, identification with others affords continuity, and they see others seeing them and seek ways to expend energy). Offers guidelines for promoting adolescents' moral growth (e.g., provide parent education and promote thoughtful critique of…

This Texas education resource guide is provided for teachers to plan a character education program which incorporates "Building Good Citizenship for Texas" into the classroom curriculum and schoolwide activities. The guide points out that, to be effective, instruction in character education must be appropriate to the developmental level…

This curriculum guide for middle school student development was created in response to needs expressed by business and other organizations throughout the Southwest Florida School-to-Careers Consortium. The guide encompasses four curriculum categories: academic achievement, career development, personal and social development, and community…

Developmental characteristics of students in middle schools (grades 5-8) are detailed and a social studies curriculum tailored to their particular needs is outlined. (JMF)

Discusses the developmental needs of young adolescents (e.g., self-exploration, meaningful participation, positive social interaction, physical activity, competency, achievement, structure, clear limits, appropriate curricula, knowledgeable and understanding educators, and integrated learning). Identifies ways Catholic schools can help meet these…

This handbook, one of five local handbooks developed to support specialized implementation of the National Career Development Guidelines, presents guidelines for developing comprehensive programs for students in middle and junior high schools. Part I describes the need for guidelines and standards in career development, defines career development…