While a number of studies have yielded useful information regarding the status of middle level schools in the United States, four linked national surveys provide a longitudinal perspective on the degree of implementation of key middle grades programs and practices. These studies were conducted in 1968 (Alexander, 1968), 1988 (Alexander &…

Maintains that duality of middle school teacher commitments to significant academic learning and developmentally appropriate contexts has important implications for teacher roles, professional preparation, and continuing professional development. Describes teacher roles of student advocate, role model, supporter of diversity, collaborator, and…

Although experts agree about what middle level teacher education programs should include, the majority of middle school teachers do not have specialized training. Middle level mandatory certification is necessary to induce middle school teachers to pursue special training. (MLF)

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…

Surveys National Board Certified teacher's views about middle school teacher preparation. Validates the need for specialized middle level teacher preparation, and shows consensus about major elements of such programs: a comprehensive understanding of early adolescence; the needs of young adolescents; the philosophy and organization of middle level…

Argues that interscholastic sports programs often place middle and secondary students at risk by making them feel like failures and rejects as well as exposing them to actual injuries. Discusses sports injuries, psychological considerations, attrition, coaches, which sports are appropriate, family and community responsibilities, scholarships and…

Argues that educators must reform interscholastic sports programs at the middle school level for age appropriateness. Discusses several areas of concern, including physical injuries, psychological considerations, sports burnout, coaches, families, and liability. Proposes ten considerations for program design covering inclusiveness, risk…

A study sought to identify current practices and trends in middle level certification of teachers and other selected middle level personnel. Certification officers in all 50 state departments of education were surveyed to secure current certification regulations and related information during the 1984-85 academic year. It was found that 26 states…

Proposed guidelines for preparing teachers to meet the unique challenge of teaching adolescent students are outlined. (JD)

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…

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)

Asserts that mandating specific teacher preparation programs may be necessary to ensure that teachers are adequately prepared for the unique challenges and rewards of teaching young adolescents, discussing: the desirability of teacher young adolescents, important elements of teacher preparation, the need for tighter licensure requirements, and the…

Discusses the need for developmentally responsive middle level competitive sports programs that include awareness of sports injuries, psychological considerations, attrition in sports, and family pressures for students to become college and professional athletes. (JPB)

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…