Provides a rationale for the shift from textbook to thematic instruction in middle schools. Describes a six-session staff development model for thematic instruction that covers the utility and applicability of this approach, development of thematic units, use of literature in such units, assessment of student progress, and implementation of…

Between 1975 and 1977 an instructional research team and a Teacher Corps Project at Hopkinsville Middle School in Kentucky began the development of an inservice teacher education program designed to combine the experience of inservice teachers with the knowledge of university faculty. This report contains samples of the results of this type of…

A Western Kentucky University Javits project focuses on ways to extend educational opportunities for gifted middle school students, through the involvement of teachers, teacher educators, and parents. Teachers' views of talents were broadened via staff development and involvement with gifted students in summer experiences, and curriculum…

In its 1982 long-range school improvement plan, the Muhlenberg (Pennsylvania) School District targeted mathematical computation skills, focusing on (1) developing a management information system to document student achievement; (2) redesigning the curriculum; (3) aligning regular and remedial mathematics programs; and (4) implementing a…

Continuous progress education is designed to relate to the special interests, needs, and abilities of each individual learner. A curriculum responsive to the needs of early adolescents would include the elements of content organization, learning activities, time allocations, student assessment, staff and materials development, and budget. (JN)

Presents a collaborative, writing-across-the curriculum staff development training model developed by Central Michigan University and a rural school district. Details the following: (1) the need, commitment, and delivery system; (2) team selection; (3) team training; (4) development of workshop schedules, content and formats; (5) implementation;…

Examined the instructional reform process in 17 middle schools. Reforms included heterogeneous grouping, cooperative learning, active learning, and interdisciplinary instruction. All reforms relied on teachers' willingness to change daily instructional content or strategies. Heterogenous grouping and interdisciplinary instruction posed the…

This report presents the evaluation of the 1973-1974 Fall River Middle School Research and Development Center, a project funded by ESEA Title VII as a model demonstration bilingual program beginning in 1972-1973. The evaluation focused on the assessment of the degree of accomplishment of product objectives for each component of the program. The…

This report is divided into five major components. Part 1 contains a brief description of middle schools as they have developed throughout the U.S. since the beginning of this century. Part 2 reviews the history of middle schools as they have evolved in the Seattle School District. Emphasis is placed on the role that the district's mandatory and…

Describes the development of a multicultural library media program based on experiences at a Virginia middle school. Highlights include the media center as a cultural and curricular resource; establishing philosophies and goals; reviewing current materials and establishing guidelines for new material selection; staff development; and an integrated…

A Javits grant implemented statewide in Kentucky used innovative curriculum and team teaching to identify and serve middle school gifted students. Project components included interdisciplinary curriculum development, staff development, expanded provision of services, alternative methods for identifying middle school gifted students, and parent…

Describes a model used for implementing middle grade reform in California public schools. Ten regional networks of 8 to 12 schools in geographic proximity were formed. Results of an evaluation indicated that, when supported by colleagues in their regional network, educators working in interdisciplinary teams implemented reforms in curriculum,…

This digest discusses the issues involved in implementing middle school foreign language programs. A number of implementation and instructional issues are highlighted, including: scheduling, staffing, teacher recruitment, teacher certification, staff development, curriculum development, teaching methods, and instructional materials. (VWL)

The Baltimore City (Maryland) Public Schools (BCPSs) established the Institute for Middle School Reform at the end of 1991-92 to create an administrative vehicle for systemic middle grades reform. The Institute's mission is to provide each individual middle school community with data-driven planning, implementation, and evaluation tools and…

In the Orange County (Florida) Public Schools, an evaluation was conducted of career education provided in elementary schools and secondary schools. A kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) Career Education District Articulation Plan provides objectives for every grade level. Ideally, career education is infused into the regular and special…