Twenty-two principles of middle grade education are addressed in this report, which is intended for those who have the authority to give meaning and substance to the reform of middle grade education in California's public schools. Each principle is developed through a discussion that concludes with specific recommendations that have implications for legislative initiatives, educational policies, administrative guidelines, and professional practices. Part One, "Curriculum and Instruction: Achieving Academic Excellence," provides recommendations in the areas of core curriculum, knowledge, thinking and communication, character development, learning to learn, and instructional practice. Part Two, entitled "Student Potential: Realizing the 'Highest and Best' Intellectual, Social, Emotional, and Physical Development," covers academic counseling, equal access, student diversity and underrepresented minorities, at-risk students, and physical and emotional development. Part Three, "Organization and Structure: Creating New Learning Environments," addresses school culture, extracurricular and intramural activities, student accountability, transition, structure, scheduling, and assessment. Part Four, "Teaching and Administration: Preparing for Exemplary Performance," focuses on professional preparation and staff development. Part Five, entitled "Leadership and Partnership: Defining the Catalysts for Middle Grade Educational Reform," focuses on sharing accountability for educational reform among parents, communities, and school boards, and concludes with a proposal for a partnership to create 100 state-of-the-art middle schools. Appended are (1) an outline of middle-grade student characteristics; (2) a tabular "accountability matrix" for the recommendations as a whole; and (3) a selected bibliography of books and articles on middle grade education. (TE)