Determinants of exercise for middle school children were addressed by examining the validity of the Stages of Change (SOC) construct of the Transtheoretical Model, as well as the relation between the stages of change and barrier self-efficacy and decisional balance. Findings provided preliminary cognitive and behavioral support for the use of the…

Middle schools must place high academic emphasis on health education and critical thinking skills which are developmentally important for young adolescents. Reasons why young adolescents should apply critical thinking to health issues include enhancing cognitive development, making health risk decisions, and preparing to be informed citizens. (SM)

Noting that the early adolescent years may be likened to a roller coaster, often unpredictable but exciting and filled with possibility, this book is designed as a survival guide for students in grades 6 through 9 and addresses questions about the new choices and challenges ahead. The seven chapters or "survival tips" are: (1) "Get Used to Your…

Based on the view that social and emotional learning (SEL) needs to be an integral part of middle school education, this book provides an overview to social and emotional learning and the development of middle school students, presents a representative range of SEL programs and perspectives, and offers reflections on the current status of SEL and…

This study examined cross-sectional correlates of smoking during early and late adolescence to compare patterns of prediction of smoking at both stages. Intention to smoke was the strongest predictor of smoking during both stages, particularly in late adolescence, as well as being the strongest predictor of changes in smoking. (SM)

An annotated bibliography includes publications on adolescent issues such as school-community collaboration, pregnancy prevention, decision making, health promotion, injury prevention, music, violence prevention, health care, African-American adolescents, sexuality education, futures planning, policy, and health service delivery. (SM)

Provides direction for developing appropriate and meaningful social studies instruction for the development of responsible citizenship in adolescents. Suggests that curriculum design should have some relationship to physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. Identifies concerns with the self, right and wrong, others, and the world…

The ten studies contained in this volume mark the third publication by the National Middle School Association of research on early adolescent education. The previous issues are ED 214 273 and ED 214 283. The papers in the 1981 edition represent a broad range of middle school research topics and methodologies. A number of studies in this volume…

Turning Points helps middle schools create challenging, caring, and equitable learning communities that meet the needs of young adolescents as they reach the "turning point" between childhood and adulthood. Based on more than a decade of research and experience, this comprehensive school reform model focuses on improving student learning through…