Many schools attempt to implement multiple programs to promote positive young adolescent development; however, these programs are often fragmented and lack coordination. The authors describe an initiative designed to help schools coordinate their social-emotional and character development (SECD) efforts to improve school climate and help students…

The role of the counselor in analyzing institutional features and curriculum plans of middle schools so that they become self-enhancing, safe, sane environments for adolescents is discussed. (BL)

Presents data from a survey of the effectiveness of middle school programs in 34 states. The data show that changing to middle school organization results in student achievement gains, decreased discipline problems, enhanced personal development among students, and other positive effects. (MD)

Argues that the middle school years are the most critical period for the individual to synthesize a rational, positive, personal value system and offers psychological insights that have implications for school organization, curriculum design, and staff preparation. (Author/JG)

Describes Tina, an energetic and confident sixth-grader. Talks to Tina as an eighth-grader. Finds that relationships and friendships have become a major focus for her; her arena for reading and response is now outside of school; and the traits of voice and self confidence present in the sixth-grade have continued developing, but some have gone…

In recent years, over 1,000 middle schools of varying grade level organization have been established in 49 States. From an intensive study of materials published between 1961 and 1968 (listed in an appended bibliography), a basic rationale has been developed for the momentum of this trend. The new concept of the middle school (grades 6-8) is…

This paper contains addresses from a Florida State Dividion of Curriculum and Instruction staff session on the middle school. Participants sought to acquire an overall view of the theoretical concept of the middle school, its status in the educational organization, its student population characteristics, and its special requirements with respect…

Fifty years after the "Brown" decision, it is timely to examine whether society has supported middle level educators in creating schools where young adolescents living in poor communities do indeed attend schools that are socially just, diverse, democratic, and culturally relevant. In this article, the authors explore the significance of race and…

This position paper identifies the purposes and underlying rationale of the middle school, outlines what the middle school program should be--curricular, instructional, and organizational-administrative, and presents some leadership implications. It is assumed that if educators understand the root causes of transescent behavior, they will deal…

This digest discusses the ways in which counselors in middle schools can help youngsters face the challenges of early adolescence and prepare them for life in high school. It focuses on: (1) understanding one's self; (2) family relationships; (3) peer pressure and drug abuse; (4) stressful lives; (5) sexual maturation; (6) academics; and (7)…

To extend previous research on adolescent temperament, this study developed and tested the Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire (ATQ), a 70-item self-report questionnaire which used a Likert-like scale and a wider array of items than used in previous assessment instruments. The study examined the conceptual fit of higher order structures of…

Examined teachers' understanding of the moral development of middle level students via prediction of student responses to the behavior of fictitious students in ethical dilemma situations. Found that teachers were able to predict characters which students admired least, but were unable to predict characters the students most admired. (Author)