There is a wealth of empirical, historical, and theoretical literature on school reform, types of reform initiatives, and the educational change process. Middle grades practitioners and advocates are intimately familiar with the list of the essential components that must be present for schools to effectively educate young adolescents. Over the…

There is a direct correlation between the variables of teacher job satisfaction and student academic achievement (Brookover & Lezotte, 1979; Mertler, 2002; Wynne, 1980). One would assume that schools that are not making AYP are doing everything possible to be removed from this status. One may also hypothesize that teacher job satisfaction is…

Deciding which instructional strategies to employ is a complex issue faced daily by middle school teachers. Although a wealth of literature on developmentally appropriate and responsive middle school instructional practices is available, the extent to which these strategies are employed is often unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to…

This study used a case study design using both quantitative and qualitative data to document school improvement efforts at one middle school. The findings developed a portrait of the school, and its students, staff, and climate, and made it possible to identify areas for improvement. Data were collected through 44 classroom observations in 2…

Explored the implementation of middle level reform components in both high- and low-performing middle schools, seeking to identify factors linked to student achievement. Found that organizational health, which includes academic focus, teacher affiliation, and resource support, more directly influences student performance than simple implementation…

Cites three critical questions to examine reasons for inconclusive findings relating middle school practices recommended in "Turning Points" to student achievement: (1) shortcomings in operationalizing variables; (2) what is measured; or (3) uncontrolled variables. Notes schools implementing more "Turning Points"…

Case study explores visionary leadership in action by focusing on the strategies that some middle-school principals use before implementing schoolwide reforms. Finds that visionary leadership in action involves an initial exploration of possible change areas; discussions and education regarding the issues involved; and support, commitment, and…

Although middle-level school principals are essential to current school reform, their professional development is one of its most neglected aspects. Research, literature, and support in this area are scarce and poorly coordinated. This paper reports on research done to create a conceptual framework within which characteristics for effective…

In the 1980s, a third methodological movement began in the social and behavioral sciences. This movement, known as mixed-methods research, is the focus of this article. Major issues related to mixed methodologies are discussed along with the strengths and weaknesses of this approach and various design typologies. Two mixed-methods studies related…

Examines the characteristics (essential skills and knowledge) of middle-level leadership from the perspectives of the principals themselves based on data collected from middle-school principals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, using surveys and semistructured interviews. Discusses seven themes that emerge from an analysis of the data, for example,…

Qualitative study of 17 middle-level principals' recognition of the bureaucratic barriers that separate them from teachers and their willingness to participate in efforts to foster more collegial relationships with teachers. (Conains 45 references.) (PKP)

Draws on the insights of John Dewey to argue that the contrast between developmental appropriateness and academic rigor is an untenable dualism. Considers directions for middle school renewal that unite these two concepts. (JPB)

Utilizing a qualitative, multisite case study design and the theoretical framework of Hoy and Hannum (1997), the design and execution of this research investigates plausible explanations for the difference in student achievement between high performing (HPS) suburban middle schools and low performing (LPS) urban middle schools. Aside from the…

Although reports calling for middle level schooling reform first appeared in the mid-1970s, change has been slow to come. In Turning Points: Preparing American Youth for the 21st Century (1989), the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development outlined eight essential elements of middle level education. Drawing from the Carnegie Council's…

Argues that developmentally appropriate knowledge-in-use may be academically rigorous even when it does not mimic the more adult-like academic disciplines. Considers the creation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and ways to measure the academic rigor of learning outcomes without relying upon achievement tests grounded in academic…