Argues that increasing parent involvement in the secondary schools can create goodwill in the community and enlarge the scope of services to students. (FL)

A flexible, point contract system is described which maximizes the advantages of a criterion-referenced contract system while eliminating some of the disadvantages of standard grade contracts. This model has been used by the author in a variety of high school and college courses. (Author/SJL)

Teachers are beginning to collectively voice their complaints about the stresses they face in school. While talking about the problems of low morale and poor school climate won't solve these problems, the public is being alerted that teachers need help, not further criticism. (SJL)

Suggests using creative dramatics activities to foster students' skill in sensing, sequencing, expressing, and cooperating. Outlines five creative dramatics exercises suitable for a science, mathematics, art, or English class. (SJL)

The emotions of a teacher leaving school for the summer are described. (SJL)

Recollects the author's student teaching experience and, in particular, remembers her student teaching supervisor and the commitment, hope, and respect which were at the heart of her mentor's work. (SR)

Discusses three unresolved issues regarding at-risk students: educators and parents often blame at-risk students for their problems; all students demonstrate at-risk conditions at some time; and schools actually contribute to students being at risk. (SR)

Describes a lesson for preservice and inservice mathematics teachers on statistics (central tendency and dispersion) which is designed as a cooperative learning activity. (SR)

Notes that educators at all levels are involved in a paradigm shift--from the view that knowledge is an external entity existing independently of human thought and action to knowledge as mutually constructed by teacher and student. Describes the use of a double-entry journal that engages learners actively in constructing their own meanings. (RS)

Proposes some solutions for meeting child health and nutrition needs through school-based initiatives. Suggests that the School Lunch Program of the 21st century faces a different set of needs and challenges compared with the program of the 20th century. Argues that with increasing rates of childhood obesity, it is important that educators help…

Suggests a three-step plan to help teachers and administrators know what to do during student fights. Details the extent of the problem of student-to-student physical confrontations. Discusses the need to become competent in intervention and suggests the creation of a mental action plan. Encourages educators to have full knowledge of their…

Discusses 15 pivotal texts in education that appeared between 1950 and 2002, in part to give each text its warranted celebration, and to encourage newer members of the profession to read these works as part of their ongoing professional development. (SG)

Makes an analogy that educational leadership in this changing society is a lot like paddling a kayak through calm waters. Suggests that if public school leaders do not instill a sense of urgency in times of calm waters, schools may lose focus and fail to evolve and change. (SG)

Reviews the issues surrounding merit pay: its history, its general failure, and the problem of measuring good pedagogy. (SR)