The lives of middle school students are dynamic, and their needs and
desires are always evolving. They experience more complicated lives as
influences of the broader society including popular media and
technology, immigration and cultural diversity, amplified political
divisiveness, and bullying effect their daily lives both in and out of
school. These influences have contributed to the need for more
social-emotional support and the desire of students and teachers alike
to find and express their voices. Since the publication of the 2002
Handbook volume focusing on curriculum, instruction, and assessment, the
ideas, approaches, and practices of middle school educators and
researchers have also needed to evolve and change in many ways to meet
these changing realities and the needs of students, teachers, and
schools. This volume includes chapters focusing on varying aspects of
curriculum, instruction, and assessment currently being implemented in
middle grades classrooms across the country.