1. Small communities for learning within the large school buildings; 2. A core academic program for all learners; 3. Successful experiences for all students (the council urged the elimination of tracking and between-class ability grouping and promoted cooperative learning); 4. Empowered teachers and administrators who make decisions about the experiences of middle-grade students (the council stated that organization of schools into academic teams and shared decision-making are central components of the middle-school concept); 5. Teachers who are expert at teaching young adolescents; 6. Improved academic performance, fostered through health and fitness; 7. Families reengaged in the education of young adolescents; and 8. Schools reconnected with their communities (Carnegie Council, 1989).