This book presents 19 real-life cases which paint a picture of middle school education. Many of the cases grew out of the Middle School Project, an experimental program for training middle school teachers. The book offers student teachers or inservice teachers the opportunity for detailed case analysis, allowing them to practice problem solving, to mesh theory and practice, to simulate situations, and to work on collaborative solutions. An introductory chapter details the history of adolescence; traces the history of the middle school and describes the current conception; reiterates current concepts of adolescence (physical, socioemotional, and cognitive development); and defines case-based instruction. Each of the subsequent 19 chapters presents a case followed by discussion questions, questions for further reflection, and questions for school leaders. An appendix presents six standards for school leaders. (Contains 16 references.) (SM)