Examines the curriculum, instruction, and organization of middle grades schools. Provides a substantial knowledge base in the nature and needs of early adolescents, as well as in middle school curriculum, instruction, and behavior management. A variety of instructional approaches will be discussed including the purpose and need for appropriate language, behavior, and disability modifications, inclusion, resource, content mastery, and others. Theory and practice in the teaching of students with special needs will be addressed. The course also includes a field component. Prerequisite: Admitted to the Middle Level Program.