Argues that Catholic schools need to consider what makes a school Catholic when confronting issues of architectural design. Addresses differences in needs between elementary, middle, and high schools, and offers a case study that illustrates a successfully designed urban Catholic high school. (NB)

What started as a summer arts and crafts program in the predominantly Mexican-American lower west side of St. Paul, Minnesota, has developed into a "dropouts" school accepted into the public school system. The small school emphasizes strictness, caring, basic skills, and student responsibility. (SJL)

Reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been tracking the levels of lead, which is linked to increased behavioral disorders, retardation, and anemia in children, in the United States since the 1970s. Provides statistics on the current state of chronic diseases in the U.S. and asserts that there is a need for a nationwide heath…

Describes the efforts of an inner-city elementary school teacher to create a functionally literate environment in the classroom by linking written language to classroom routines, giving children many opportunities to write and receive written communication, and encouraging group learning. Explains the teacher's role in creating a print-rich…

Describes cooperation and affirmation activities designed to create a classroom environment in which children interact peacefully and resolve conflicts creatively. Exercises include cooperation drawing, group hand prints and shadow murals, a circle game entitled "Rainstorm," student interviews, affirmation shows using video, affirmation clapping,…

An elementary school principal explains how she promotes a positive working and learning environment in her school through written and verbal praise, open communications, and the sharing of ideas. (SJL)

Asserts that Catholic schools have fewer problems such as teen pregnancy, sex, drugs, and alcohol, but that there needs to be more information provided to students on sex education. States that a great deal of tutoring and counseling are provided for students in Catholic institutions, and that students are treated with more care. (CW)

Describes the One to One program, which mobilizes communities to support mentoring, pioneers new mentoring approaches, and leverages resources by taking a business approach; leveraging support from diverse sectors; creating a partnership of catalysts; capitalizing on diversity; helping communities think and achieve big; reaching hard-to-reach…

Describes a study conducted on third-year teachers in Catholic elementary schools. Identifies problems with satisfaction, including poor salaries and benefits, and the lack of autonomy and decision-making power within the school system. Urges schools to build a sense of community among teachers and administrators to help increase teacher retention…

Discusses a computer teacher's incorporation of hand-held computer technology into her third- and fifth-grade students' study of acid rain. The project successfully brought two grade levels together for cross-grade research, provided an opportunity for classroom teachers and technology specialists to work collaboratively, and enhanced students'…

This photo-essay describes a Waldorf School. Developed by Austrian Rudolf Steiner, the Waldorf plan is dedicated to allowing the child a childlike environment. It emphasizes storytelling, creative dramatics, flexibility, improvisation, crafts, and movement. (SJL)

Describes a program placing college juniors in elementary school classrooms as part of their teacher methods courses. Stresses the importance of communication with and involvement by the school teachers and administrators in implementing such programs. Presents summary results of the program's qualitative evaluation. (PAA)

Describes the integral role of social teaching in Catholic education. In addition to reviewing past teachings, educators must train students to work toward achieving social justice. (YKH)