Considers some of the groundwork affecting the foundations of advisory programs in middle schools, focusing on key decisions made in the planning stages of the program. Presents an advisory typology that can be used to compare existing programs, design a new program, or evaluate and renovate an existing program. (KB)

Describes development of San Diego State University's middle level teacher preparation program. Details how the program was designed explicitly to prepare credential candidates to: work effectively with young adolescents; be productive contributors on interdisciplinary teams; serve as effective advisors; accommodate diversity by focusing on the…

Describes the efforts of a group of teachers, administrators, teacher educators, and Arts and Sciences faculty at the University of Georgia to improve an established middle grades teacher preparation program. Details the change process and participants' thoughts and ideas about undergraduate teacher education. (EV)

Describes creation and evaluation of a middle level teacher certification program for both undergraduates and graduates at Maryville University in St. Louis. Notes four conceptual strands flow through the program: developmental, curriculum and instruction, school and society, and inquiry and research. (EV)