1. Social Contexts: Schooling School organization Tracking School climate School and class size “I touch the future. I teach.” - Christa McAuliffe

2. The Nature of Adolescents’ Schooling v School size vBarker & Gump (1964) vlarge schools: more variety vsmall schools: more active students

3. Experts agree : The ideal size of a school for adolescents is between 500-1,000 students.

4. Transitions in Schooling é Middle to junior high school éDoris Entwisle (1990) research é What makes a successful middle school? éCarnegie Council on Adolescent Development é Simmons & Blyth (1987)

5. School transitions  Self-esteem  Extra-curricular activities  Academic achievement  J. Eccles’ explanation  Tracking effects  inclusive  exclusive  meritocratic

6. School Climate u Warmth and positive regard for students u High standards for performance and behavior u Moderate behavioral control

7. Social Policy and the Education of Adolescents q Create communities for learning q Teach a core of common knowledge q Provide an opportunity for all students to succeed q Strengthen teachers and principals

8. Social Policy and the Education of Adolescents q Prepare teachers for the middle grades q Improve academic performance through better health and fitness q Engage families in the education of adolescents q Connect schools with communities