Noting that the involvement of parents and family members in the education of their children at school and in the home is one of the keys to children's success in school, this monograph focuses on ways to include various family members in the education of young adolescents. The monograph is intended as a guide for an effective, comprehensive family involvement program. Following an introduction providing a research-based rationale for family involvement, detailing definitions and key concepts in family involvement, and depicting a multi-faceted family involvement model, the monograph is organized in six sections: (1) "Families as Decision Makers and Advocates"; (2) "Families and Schools as Communicators"; (3) "Families as Learners"; (4) "Families as Teachers and Coaches"; (5)"Families as Supporters, Volunteers, and Audience"; and (6) "Family, School, and Community as Partners." Each section presents the key concept, expected outcomes, and keys to implementation. Also included are self-assessments for the schools, worksheets, surveys, and sample guidelines. Appended are descriptions of six categories of family involvement. (Contains 41 references.) (KB)

Brown (educational leadership, U. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) and Anfara (educational leadership, U. of Tennessee, Knoxville) examine education at the middle years level from the principal's perspective, spotlighting the principal's role in school reform and improvement based on the belief that schools should be responsive to the developmental needs of their students. Centered on a study of 98 principals in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and North Carolina, seven chapters explore the strategies used by principals in their responsiveness to students, to faculty and staff, and to their schools and communities. For aspiring and practicing middle school principals, board members, teachers and parents. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Middle school educators are facing many challenges in todayOCOs educational and political environment due to the focus on excellence as measured by achievement tests. It is the purpose of this book to provide a discussion of how middle schools can provide a strong standards-based academic program while, at the same time, remaining focused on the student-centered principles upon which the middle school experience should be based. The text is intended to aid readers in the development of the teaching philosophies, behaviors, and skills relevant to effective instruction in the unique middle school environment. This emphasis reflects the philosophy that teachers ultimately determine the quality of schooling and that the learning environment should be student-centered while maintaining a strong academic foundation. The text begins with an overview of the origins and essential elements of middle schools; proceeds through discussions of middle school teachers, students, schooling structures, and teaching strategies; and concludes with a view of the future. Specifically, chapters offer suggestions for teaching and learning in the middle school environment, for developing essential teaching characteristics, for creating a positive middle school climate, for planning the curriculum, for providing developmentally appropriate instruction, and for assessing and reporting student progress. This outstanding new edition provides a comprehensive, current, and cohesive text that allows the reader to more clearly understand the nature and importance of significant standards issues and developments within the ongoing evolution of the modern American middle school."

The fourth edition of this highly praised book includes coverage of evidence-based education and No Child Left Behind. Like the previous editions, it offers authoritative and balanced overviews to help you make distinctions between innovative programs backed up by sound research support and “faddish” ideas which lack a research base.

First Published in 2005. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First Published in 2008. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.