The whole middle school movement is based on the knowledge that children between the ages of 10 and 14 have special developmental needs. Summarizes recent research findings. A sidebar lists eight recommendations for middle school executives adapted from the Carnegie Corporation document "Turning Points: Preparing American Youth for the 21st…

Discusses the necessity for schools to be responsive to the developmental needs of young adolescents in order to develop an effective learning environment. Analyzes the application of the Middle Grades Assessment Program to this effort, as exemplified in the case of the Francisco Middle School in San Francisco, California. (PGD)

Reports on study in which 81 high school students were interviewed about group stratification and its impact on individual adolescents. Finds many students labeled as "nerds" in middle school were able to improve their self-concept and reconstruct themselves as "normal" in high school. Contends expanded range of school activities and more diverse…

In a survey of 172 experienced intermediate/junior high teachers in southern Ontario, all agreed that teachers at this level need courses based on the characteristics and needs of early adolescents. The majority indicated that their preservice training lacked such courses and had not prepared them for intermediate/junior high teaching. (JHZ)

Noting that young adolescents--around 10 to 15 years of age--undergo significant emotional, social, intellectual, and physical changes, this book serves as a reference for parents, educators, and policymakers concerned with education that meets the unique needs of the student population. The five sections of the book cover the historical and…