High expectations and appropriate standards for learning and achievement are important to any curriculum plan. The need for curriculum to meet developmental needs is particularly important for middle-level students. Middle-level students are unlike any other age group and are internally varied. Not all middle-level students need the same things at…

The articles of this special edition on education and development in adolescence share some common themes, raise points for debate, and offer new research ideas. Common themes emphasize the following: (1) diversity among adolescents; (2) simultaneity of multiple forms of development; and (3) multiple environmental influences on adolescents. (SLD)

Middle school practices should reflect research showing how students entering adolescence, at 10-14 years of age, are different from other children. Middle school students are changing physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Schools should emphasize: (1) active learning experiences; (2) student-centered methods; (3) recognition of individual…

Contrasted role of ethnic labels and identity in predicting drug use among seventh graders. Found that minority students with strong ethnic pride reported less drug use/exposure than those with weak pride; ethnically proud White students reported more. Minority students who viewed themselves as consistent with their ethnic group reported more drug…