The development of the junior high school as a distinct and separate unit of the public-school system is one of the most remarkable and striking chapters in the history of public education in the United States. From humble beginnings in a few scattered cities the movement has gathered momentum until hundreds of school systems have been profoundly affected, and almost all of the remaining towns and cities are considering the feasibility of joining the movement. In a considerable number of the States, legislation which relates explicitly to the junior high school has been enacted. In many other States similar legislation is under consideration. In both groups of States educational authorities are actively interested in the following three questions: (1) What types of legislation will promote the best development of the junior high school?; (2) What types of legislation will hinder the best development of the junior high school?; and (3) Will the best development of the junior high school be more easily achieved without the aid of additional legislation? The purpose of this report is to throw light upon these three questions. With this object in view it was decided: First, to make a simple preliminary analysis and classification of existing legislation on the high school; second, to analyze the content of such legislation as relates explicitly to the junior high school, estimate its probable effect on the reorganization movement, and compare the same with similar legislation on the junior high school; and third, to ascertain what legislation on the junior high school is being proposed in the various States and the opinions of responsible school officials and competent students of education on the need for and effect of such laws; and finally, to make such suggestions concerning future legislation on the junior high school as the facts seem to warrant. Text of State Laws Relating Explicitly to the Junior High School is appended. (Contains 2 tables and 12 footnotes.) [Best copy available has been provided.]