Betwixt and Between: Understanding and Meeting the Social and Emotional Development Needs of Students During the Middle School Transition Years

Educators, parents, and those who work with middle school students in various settings will find this book to be a valuable addition to their library. Early adolescence is a time of tremendous change with the potential for positive development in the academic, social, and emotional domains; yet, often this age group struggles to adjust to the transition of middle school and the tasks that are required to be successful there. The authors – both of whom are seasoned educators and administrators – cover a variety of topics germane to positive development. These include social and emotional development, current research on the adolescent brain, and the academic challenges of entering middle school. There are also chapters on contemporary issues such as bullying, social media, and inclusive leadership. Parents will find suggestions for how to support their middle school child, and educators will discover a wealth of best practices to incorporate into their interactions with early adolescents and their families.