Following training and experience as peer tutors in a behaviorally oriented reading program for junior high school students, formerly disruptive students decreased their disruptive behaviors and exhibited improved morale and increased academic progress. This article describes the program and provides suggestions for implementing a similar one.…

Discussion of the integration of information skills from a junior high school library media program into the curriculum focuses on the use of the Big Six Skills, a model that incorporates six steps for solving information problems. Its suitability for organizing information skills and curricular areas is explained. (four references) (LRW)

Describes a pilot project which introduced computer technology to junior high school students from lower socioeconomic and ethnic minority communities in a Colorado Springs, Colorado, school district. Discussion includes student and faculty selection process, course components, participant feedback, budget requirements, and recommendations. (MBR)

Project ACABA attempts to provide choices and alternatives for the students. Through its techniques and processes, students are provided instruments to search for their own identities, learn the skills necessary to rebuild damaged self-concepts, and to allow them the freedom to make their own choices, thereby allowing them to experience competence…

A middle school reform initiative, sponsored by the Program for Disadvantaged Youth of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation 4 years ago, has taken hold in 12 urban middle schools nationwide. The article discusses that reform, noting the lessons about change to accommodate student diversity that urban middle schools can teach. (SM)

Marijuana is the illegal drug most often used in the United States. In the early 1990s marijuana use doubled among 8th graders and significantly increased among 10th and 12th graders. Accompanying this pattern of use is a significant erosion in antidrug perceptions and knowledge among young people. While marijuana use among high school seniors…

A description of the development and operation of the home-school conferencing program at Frederick Roehm Junior High School in Berea, Ohio. (SJL)

Presents a program to create college awareness among 12 gifted students in a junior high school, involving discussion of interests, interest inventory, aptitude inventory, values lessons, speakers, visits to work environments and colleges, test-taking techniques, and research on colleges. (SR)

Adolescent children of alcoholics (AdCOAs) take with them the habits and customs learned at home. Describes the distinguishing characteristics of AdCOAs, how they can be helped, and school-based intervention programs. Lists key points for alcohol awareness for all educators, and provides addresses for four resources. (15 references) (MLF)

A new approach in alternative assessment focuses on student-led conferences. This paper explains how one Iowa middle school implements student-led conferences. The approach combines authentic assessment via portfolios with greater student involvement. Additional components include self-assessment, effective communication, parental involvement, and…

Provides and describes the use of a "Proficient Reader Protocol" in the evaluation of the middle school reader. Defines the six main components that combine to make up proficient reading and shows how each component is measured by the protocol. Proposes implications for the classroom. (HB)

Middle school scheduling is a major instructional activity reflecting understanding of human growth and development, agreed-on school objectives and purposes, and available human and physical resources. (Author/JM)

This monograph provides rationale, examples, and specific guidelines for initiating advisor-advisee programs in the middle school. Part 1 discusses why affective education is needed in the middle school, and promotes the need for qualitative properties of education to exist along side the quantitative. Part 2 describes six on-going programs of…

The article outlines a classroom-tested holistic language arts curriculum for the junior high resource room. The program covers reading, vocabulary building, comprehension, use of visual aid strategies, use of auditory/linguistic comprehension strategies, writing, listening, and speaking. Advantages of the curriculum include individualization,…

Describes a two year pilot program which made a significant step toward improving academics, morale, and student/parent involvement which helped a Florida junior high school earn national recognition. (MD)