Middle school principals must continue to provide leadership for staff development programs. As the instructional leader of the middle school, the principal faces the challenge of assisting both new and experienced teachers in developing teaching strategies that are consistent with the characteristics and needs of transescent students. At the same time, the principal must ensure that the pressures of the "back-to-basics" movement do not destroy the basic objectives of the middle school program. The use of sociodrama as an effective teaching strategy for the middle school exemplifies a strategy that is compatible with the philosophical goals of the middle school, and with the goals of the "back-to-basics" movement. (Author/JG)