ED327318 PS019331
Title: Inside Grade Eight: From Apathy to Excitement.
Author(s): Lounsbury, John H.; Clark, Donald C.
Author Affiliation: National Association of Secondary School Principals,
Reston, VA.(FGK56325)
Pages: 165
Publication Date: 1990
Available from: EDRS Price MF01 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from
EDRS.
Availability: National Association of Secondary School Principals,
1904 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091 ($10.00; discount on orders
of 10 or more copies).
Language: English
Document Type: Reports--Research (143)
Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia
Journal Announcement: RIEMAY1991
Volunteer
observers shadowed 162 randomly selected 8th graders in 161 schools
on March 8, 1989. Following simple directions, the volunteers recorded
the events and activities of the students. Each observer completed
an interview with the shadowed student, a structured interview with
an administrator, a school information sheet, and a statement of
his or her reactions. After an introductory chapter, chapter 2 provides
a portrait of 8th graders. This description of the nature and needs
of 8th graders offers a yardstick against which the appropriateness
of the educational experiences being provided for emerging adolescents
can be measured. Chapter 3 presents basic data on the schools involved
in the study. Comparisons with other recent status studies are made.
Chapter 4 delineates the kinds of experiences and activities in
which 8th graders participate during a school day, revealing both
the extremes and the general condition. Chapter 5 presents six representative
shadow studies that enable readers to draw their own conclusions.
Chapter 6 presents major findings of the study and recommendations
for improving 8th grade education. Appendices provide related materials,
including directions for observers. (RH)
Descriptors: *Administrator Attitudes; *Educational Improvement;
Extracurricular Activities; Grade 8; *Junior High School Students;
Junior High Schools; *Profiles; Student Characteristics; *Student
Experience; Student Needs
