Given that grouping students homogeneously has proved to be more deleterious than beneficial to student learning and self-concept, principals of middle level schools have the responsibility to implement more heterogeneous grouping arrangements in their schools. Grouping programs that provide multiple criteria for determining student ability and…

This theme issue discusses the special needs of gifted students at the middle school level. It presents several articles, editorials, a California funding update, a program spotlight, an educator profile, a column on educational technology, and a book review. An article by Terry A. Thomas, titled "Middle School Madness," discusses middle schools'…

This issue of "Progressions" shares the lessons learned by the Lilly Endowment's Education Division from partnerships with educators, librarians, parents, and community activists. The articles look at individual components of the endowment's overall plan to promote reading among youngsters in grades five through nine, and to introduce…