Advocates planning environments that respond to the behavioral needs and learning styles of children in the early adolescent stage in order to make easier their transition from primary to middle school. (CM)

Although the movement to create specialized schools and improved programs for early adolescents has experienced some difficulties, many encouraging signs have emerged indicating that the gap between theory and practice is narrowing. Many middle-grade schools exist today and the national movement to establish more shows no sign of abating. (CJ)

First in a series of profiles to trace the intellectual roots of the modern middle-school movement through the thoughts and actions of five of its most influential revolutionaries. (seven references) (MLF)

Designed as an overview of the progress of middle schools in the last two decades, this document compares results from a 1968 survey that sampled 10 percent of middle schools with at least three, and not more than five grades, and including grades 6 and 7, with those of a similar 1988 survey. Following a brief summary of the origins of the middle…

This publication focuses on 14 colleges and universities that are successfully meeting the challenge of preparing middle level teachers. After the Foreword (John H. Swaim), the 16 chapters are: (1) "Middle Level Teacher Preparation in Perspective"; (2) "Elizabeth City State University" (Eloise B. Roberts); (3) "Georgia Southwestern College" (Lynn…

This monograph describes and illustrates the characteristics of middle grades students in terms of intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth; discusses the characteristics of effective middle grades teachers; and explores the implications of teacher/learner research data for curriculum and instruction related to early adolescents (ages…

This monograph presents information on North Carolina middle grades schools: (1) organizational patterns of middle grades schools from 1968 to 1980; (2) reasons for establishing middle grades schools; (3) number and size of middle grades schools; (4) curriculum opportunities; (5) accreditation of schools and professional training of faculty; (6)…

Survey responses were received from 538 member institutions of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education on their programs for prospective middle school teachers. Results indicated that teacher preparation programs in this area have not kept pace with the growing numbers of teachers needed, and the predominant emphasis in…

There is a case for and a case against interscholastic sports programs below the senior high school level. Typical of concerns expressed is the fear that children under the age of thirteen are not mature enough for contact sports and risk permanent bone and joint damage. There is agreement that children need vigorous activity, but controversy…

Middle level education needs personnel specifically educated for and committed to working with the middle level age group and program, and this requires the development of sound middle level teacher certification requirements and programs. (Author/DCS)

Safe, developmentally appropriate play is difficult to achieve when middle schools move into the competitive interscholastic arena. Problems associated with middle-level sports programs include students' predisposition to physical injury, psychological unreadiness, high attrition rates, improper coaching, and liability issues. Improving…

The 1990s will likely be a watershed period for middle level education, as the real challenges surrounding making "second level" changes replace the euphoria that accompanied early growth of the middle school movement. Yet, zealousness still characterizes reform efforts at the middle level. This study, the most comprehensive ever…

Characteristics of middle schools are analyzed, based on data from surveys in 1968 and 1988. In 1968, W. M. Alexander undertook a survey to provide benchmark data about middle schools with information from 110 schools. This study was replicated in 1988 with data received from 56% of the 10,857 schools approached. Comparison of these data confirmed…

To assist the North Carolina League of Middle/Junior High Schools, this paper briefly surveys the literature on developmental characteristics of early adolescents and the characteristics of effective teachers and also discusses the implications of the findings for instruction and the curriculum. The authors first define early adolescence as the…

This publication focuses on the knowledge base of middle school teacher preparation emphasizing organizing principles that define an excellent middle grades teacher education program. It is designed to complement the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and…