Presents data from a survey of the effectiveness of middle school programs in 34 states. The data show that changing to middle school organization results in student achievement gains, decreased discipline problems, enhanced personal development among students, and other positive effects. (MD)

Describes Tina, an energetic and confident sixth-grader. Talks to Tina as an eighth-grader. Finds that relationships and friendships have become a major focus for her; her arena for reading and response is now outside of school; and the traits of voice and self confidence present in the sixth-grade have continued developing, but some have gone…

Fifty years after the "Brown" decision, it is timely to examine whether society has supported middle level educators in creating schools where young adolescents living in poor communities do indeed attend schools that are socially just, diverse, democratic, and culturally relevant. In this article, the authors explore the significance of race and…