A literature review was conducted in an effort to locate programs that could improve opportunities for learning for middle graders, and particularly educationally disadvantaged middle graders. Of the more than 200 programs that were reviewed, about 80 were identified as having promising components for middle grades educators. Section I discusses issues underlying the identification of such programs and common components of promising programs. Topics include high content, definition of disadvantaged students, prevention and treatment, and common components of recognition programs, including Chapter 1 and National Diffusion Network programs. Section II provides examples of promising programs and their components in the areas of mathematics, reading, writing and language arts, thinking skills, science, social studies, and combined components. Also discussed are issues raised by conflicting components. Section III considers recurring themes and conclusions. The report is expected to be especially useful to educators who are involved in program and staff development and evaluation or are making decisions about goals for students, gathering information on promising programs, or reviewing materials, costs, and evidence about effects. A total of 49 references are cited, and a directory of 77 programs is appended. (RH)