This book was written to fill the gap between educational theory and classroom reality which comes from the spectator learning experience in many teacher education programs. Chapters contain activities and readings to facilitate the action and reflection process. Part 1: "The Students," includes chapters entitled:(1) "Childhood into Adolescence"; (2) "Physical Development: Ten to Fourteen"; (3) "Intellectual Development: Ten to Fourteen"; (4) "Social and Emotional Development: Ten to Fourteen"; (5) "Student Differences in Mental Processing and Learning Style"; and (6) "Home, Community, and Middle School." Part 2: "The School" includes chapters entitled: (7) "Understanding the Middle School Concept"; (8) "Becoming the Very Best Team"; (9) "Interdisciplinary Team Planning and Support Skills"; (10) "The Teacher as Advisor"; and (11) "Curriculum: Integration, Exploration, and Assessment." Part 3: "The Strategies" includes chapters entitled: (12) "The Other Side of Discipline: Helping Students Take Responsibility"; (13) "Teacher-Directed Planning, Instruction, and Assessment"; (14) "Cooperative Learning"; (15) "Reaching Both Ends: Using Classroom Centers to Provide Work on Every Student's Level"; and (16) "Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Middle School Classroom." Includes an appendix with activities for Parts 1 and 2 and an index. References are included at the end of each chapter. (Lh).