Suggestions are made for implementing programs that enhance students' self-concept and self-esteem. Eight program activities illustrate examples of what principals can do for students in these areas. (MLF)

Middle school principals should seek to alleviate the frustration of teachers, make efforts to help parents understand preadolescents' development, assist students in their total development, and work at developing a supportive educational climate. (MLF)

Curriculum developers should consider middle level learners' needs for intellectual growth and individual attention and their needs to understand themselves and know others. (MLF)

This book addresses the critical issues of curriculum and instruction as they pertain to the restructuring of middle-level education. The first part deals with developing a sense of identity both with the middle-school movement and with young adolescents. Chapters include the following: "Perspectives on the Middle School Movement" (John H.…

Middle level students have unique needs that can be met by a school advising program. Outlines the goals and a timeline for implementing an advisory program along with nine components essential to a successful guidance and advisory program. (MLF)

Discusses the necessity for schools to be responsive to the developmental needs of young adolescents in order to develop an effective learning environment. Analyzes the application of the Middle Grades Assessment Program to this effort, as exemplified in the case of the Francisco Middle School in San Francisco, California. (PGD)

This guide for middle school administrators is built upon the concept of administrators training one another using scripted workshop materials. Written to be read aloud and adapted for individual use, the guide provides information for development of effective middle school programs. This workshop material is organized into six sections.…

Considers what literature does, its role in a child's education, and how it might be taught. Advocates the use of adolescent literature in the classroom. (NKA)

This position paper examines educational policies, school effectiveness, and responses to broader public policy concerns in the context of the special needs of early adolescence. The policy issues under consideration derive from a statewide comprehensive survey of educational trends in the middle grades and are addressed in a statewide Regents…

Noting that the period of adolescence, and the expectations of society for adolescents, have grown and changed dramatically over the last century, this book compiles chapters from leading scholars in a variety of fields related to education to provide a broad overview of several of the most pressing concerns regarding the education of adolescent…

Noting factors that have contributed to an increased emphasis on developmentally responsive middle level schools, this revised monograph examines early adolescence as a developmental period and explores the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive characteristics of 10- to 15-year-olds. In addition, the monograph provides recommendations concerning…

This volume of the journal for the California Association of School Psychologists provides current information on a broad array of topics related to the work of school psychologists. The articles contribute important information on contemporary issues in the field, such as using a strength-based perspective when assessing students, student support…

Describes the basic principles of the Personal Discovery Approach to motivating students (individuation, tasks, journey, imagery, dreams) and program modules (survival strategies, autobiographical work, "Express Yourself,""Experimental Listening," value clarification, "Group Time,""Human…

In a survey of 172 experienced intermediate/junior high teachers in southern Ontario, all agreed that teachers at this level need courses based on the characteristics and needs of early adolescents. The majority indicated that their preservice training lacked such courses and had not prepared them for intermediate/junior high teaching. (JHZ)

Noting that young adolescents have unique needs and interests that require understanding to better serve adolescents both academically and personally, this book is a professional's guide to working with middle school students. The first chapter lays the foundation for the book by describing who the middle school student is and the nature of young…