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)

Growing public concern with student discipline, increases in student suicide rates, homicides, and high pregnancy rates of teenage girls are causing educators to give renewed attention to the concept of "character development" in public education. (MD)

Discusses the stereotyped concept of male roles in our society and posits a new vision of masculinity wherein boys would express a full range of behaviors and emotions, and maleness and femaleness would be equally valued. The change can begin with a rethinking of how masculinity is taught. (MD)