This publication replaces the "Guidelines for Middle Schools in Virginia," which were published in 1978-79. The document describes desirable educational practices for early adolescents. It applies to grades 6, 7, and 8 in all Virginia schools, and contains 22 specific recommendations for implementation. Sections describe the recommendations, which set standards for the following areas: (1) students' educational and developmental needs; (2) school organization and structure; (3) connections among culture, society, community, business, and industry; (4) achievement, success, and recognition; (5) specialists, departments, and teams; (6) knowledge and skills across the disciplines; (7) the expanded core curriculum; (8) curriculum electives, student activities, and service; (9) learning rates, styles, types, and levels; (10) instructional grouping and tracking; (11) remediation; (12) scheduling; (13) special education; (14) gifted education; (15) student services--advising, guidance, and counseling; (16) library media services; advising, guidance, and counseling; (16) library media services; (17) articulation and transitions; (18) staffing and staff development; (19) computers and technology; (20) career education and college preparation; (21) students' health and fitness; and (22) dropout prevention. References are included. (LMI)