The project described in this paper focuses on researching approaches to ease the student's transition from elementary to middle school. The method presented equips teachers with an eight-step strategy for helping students think through everyday decisions and stressful situations. The materials target situations that children face while interacting with their peers and adjusting to school. Five major tasks facing new middle school students are identified: (1) managing shifts in role definitions and expectations; (2) managing shifts in social networks and group membership; (3) reorganizing personal social support resources; (4) reappraising oneself and one's life situation; and (5) managing the stress related to uncertain expectations, goals, and abilities. An action-research methodology designed to develop sound curriculum materials for the fourth and fifth grades is presented. Empirical findings concerning the impact of stressors related to the middle school transition on students and the effects of this training on their ability to cope with these stressors are reviewed. Finally, there is a description of a new, ongoing experimental extension of the elementary school program through the discipline system of the middle school, the focus of this effort being to help students think through situations that result in frequent school discipline episodes. (Author/NRB)