Introduction to the Issue

The articles in this issue explore different possibilities for the education of young adolescents. There is one research study, and there are two descriptions. Perry and colleagues wrote about information they collected as they planned to propose a new middle grades program. Teacher candidates’ perceptions about middle grades students and teachers are included. These perceptions informed recommendations for teacher education programs. Casler-Failing and colleagues reported on their collaboration with a local Boys and Girls Club to enhance STEM experiences for young adolescents. The authors selected several topics of instruction to engage young adolescents in hands-on STEM learning with culturally relevant teaching and learning and with strong literacy connections. Multiple examples of tasks, several resources, and recommendations for readers are included. Ruppert and Swaim provide historical context for middle level education. In explaining how the first edition of This We Believe came to be, Swaim noted several key figures and moments in the history of middle level education. We can see how these early leaders in the field came together to forge a vision for middle level education—to see possibilities for the education of young adolescents. Thank you as always to reviewers for their insights and feedback for authors. Special continued thanks to Jennifer Gerrald for her expertise with publishing each issue. Amanda Wall, Edito