In spring 1988, the Johns Hopkins Center for Research on Elementary and Middle Schools (CREMS) conducted a national survey of principals in 2,400 public middle grade schools that include grade 7. Using the 1988 survey date, this document presents an overview of educational approaches and practices in schools that serve early adolescents. Topics examined include: (1) grade span; (2) size; (3) grouping; (4) number of teachers per students; (5) changing classmates; (6) homeroom and advisory periods; (7) guidance counselors; (8) teams of teachers; (9) curriculum; (10) instruction; (11) goals for students; (12) transitions and articulation practices; (13) remediation; (14) report card entries; (15) teacher certification; and (16) teacher talents. This document also summarizes principals' reports of their overall evaluation of present practices and presents four conclusions regarding middle grades reform based on survey data. The survey is appended. (50 references) (CLA)