Turning Points in Middle Schools: Strategic Transitions for Educators - Tapa dura

To illustrate the stress that schools face during transition from being a junior high school, this book uses a series of stories from the fictional Dewey Middle School. Among the themes addressed are: physical, social-emotional and intellectual characteristics of early adolescents; advisory periods and affective education; interdisciplinary and team teaching; length of instructional blocks; assessment strategies; and instructional strategies.

Turning Points in Middle Schools follows a fictional school (Dewey Middle School) in its transition from a traditional junior high to a middle school. A series of true-to-life stories depicts the fundamental differences between the two kinds of schools and how change comes about. The authors analyze and explore the stresses both staff and students will encounter during the complex transition process. They present a cohesive, realistic portrayal of the successes and the inevitable disappointments involved and offer tips on how to help everyone better handle these changes. You'll examine these key issues: developmental characteristics of early adolescents; components of a successful middles school; curricular and instructional practices in middle schools; personal and group dynamics - building relationships; and the change process itself.