"This We Believe" advocates the use of a curriculum that maximizes early adolescent learning by integrating multiple disciplines rather than teaching them in isolation. The development of an interdisciplinary curricular unit is a common assignment in middle grades teacher education programs that seek to prepare teacher candidates to…

This article shares aspects to consider when designing and implementing content area instruction through the study of people. It begins with a description of an inquiry that investigated students' learning with the use of authentic literature and meaningful writing in social studies, and then extends to a discussion of how to apply these same…

Argues that in order for a middle school to be effective, all stakeholders, including students, teachers, administrators, board of education members, office personnel, and community members, must collaboratively develop a common vision that can guide the ongoing development of that middle school. Addresses the development, implementation, and…

Concludes this journal focus section on curriculum integration with transcripts of questions asked by conference attendees and answers by Professors Beane and George. Areas addressed included experience levels with children and teachers, studies that point to the failure of curriculum integration, and how teachers can continue curriculum…

Asserts that middle grades curriculum is in need of more conceptual clarity and more scholarly criticism. Addresses the issue of confusion among middle level professionals and the scholarly disagreements on the meanings of important curricular terms, such as interdisciplinary, integrated, and integrative. Encourages understanding and…

Argues that the nature of the American middle school is such that there are striking similarities between the characteristics of effective middle school educators and the characteristics of futurists, and that these similarities should be embraced to address concerns with the American educational system. (SD)

Discusses making integrated instruction at the middle school level more potent by focusing on key concepts rather than on topics (e.g., systems, interdependence, change). Describes differences in curricula based on concepts and topics; defines concepts and principles for integrated instruction and what makes them effective. Compares integrated…

Discusses the value of curriculum integration and developmentally appropriate curriculum in middle school education. Suggests ways to incorporate standards into the integrative curriculum process that includes life skills competencies, prioritizing subject matter standards, organizing staff to teach the hybrid curriculum, and involving students.…

Discusses intellectual, practical, and accountability problems of the integrated curriculum model. Notes the need for improving basic classroom instruction before reform. Argues for the potential of the basic theory of curriculum integration. (JPB)

Investigated factors that motivate students to learn by interviewing six self-described underachieving middle school students and their teachers. Developed a theory for meaningful, engaged learning involving four key components: learning environment, experience, motivation, and meaning making. (JPB)

Describes the recent movement supporting curriculum integration in the middle level. Provides a detailed definition of the four dimensions of curriculum integration, and details the history of curriculum integration, including its present day status. Asserts that curriculum integration fares well today and will persist into the future. (SD)

Presents four opinions from middle school educators concerning curriculum integration: (1) the inexperienced may transition better; (2) middle level education needs a clear vision for children and ways to deliver it; (3) middle level educators need to learn from past success and failures; and (4) middle school educators can provide guidance to…

Presents 36 reasons why middle level educators should be cautious of an integrated curriculum approach. Fifteen reasons relate to unsubstantiated claims about the superiority of integrated curriculum, while 21 reasons relate to negative outcomes that might accompany excessive attention to an integrated curriculum. Urges caution and further…

Describes the problems and associated issues related to the implementation of integrated curriculum at the middle school level. Summarizes this journal issue's feature section, whose base was a conference proceeding and which includes an annotated list of recently published sources dealing with curriculum integration and relevant research studies.…