The complexity and magnitude of changes young adolescents experience during the middle school years are profound. Providing them with a learning environment that fosters the development of meaningful relationships is...

How will you make the world better? This question challenges every member of the Preston Middle School community and serves as the foundation for everything we do. Preston Middle School is a school of science,...

Current research on the use of manipulatives in the middle grades is not as extensive as research on manipulative use in the elementary grades and with students with disabilities (Cobb, 1995; Driscoll, 1980; Sowell,...

In December 2007, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in Michigan faced a dilemma: how to revise the 30-year-old pre-referral process that identified students for special education services. The old process—Student...

In every country in the world, we elevate those who endure, especially against overwhelming odds. We exalt politician William Wilberforce, who led a challenging campaign to end all slavery in the British empire. We...

Leadership training for youth is an investment in our present and future. Yet providing effective training can be challenging in terms of time and curriculum—especially in high-poverty communities, as we...

We know we have the best job on earth: reaching and inspiring the minds and hearts of today’s youth, shaping the future with each young mind we educate. Yet, we all have days when we feel the tremendous pressure...

Once seen as the domain of school counselors, college readiness is now a shared responsibility among all educators, as well as family members, youth workers, and students themselves. It’s not surprising then,...

A caring classroom environment is a key factor in students' success in school (Kohn, 2005; Noddings, 1995). Young adolescents, in particular, need the support and encouragement of an adult advocate who cares and...

Cyberbullying remains a priority issue for middle school administrators and educators. Many are making great efforts: revising formal policy, implementing curriculum enhancements, holding assemblies, managing staff...