Argues that the middle school years are the most critical period for the individual to synthesize a rational, positive, personal value system and offers psychological insights that have implications for school organization, curriculum design, and staff preparation. (Author/JG)

This paper contains addresses from a Florida State Dividion of Curriculum and Instruction staff session on the middle school. Participants sought to acquire an overall view of the theoretical concept of the middle school, its status in the educational organization, its student population characteristics, and its special requirements with respect…