Describes a unique field experience, an outgrowth of a partnership with Seton Hall University and The Liberty Science Center (New Jersey), that immerses K-12 teachers in innovative methods of learning and teaching science. Notes the program helps teachers gain firsthand experience, use interactive exhibits at a science center, and adopt the…

Describes DELTA (Design for Excellence: Linking Teaching and Achievement), a program that directs reform efforts toward teachers in greater Los Angeles. Notes the primary goal is to link public schools and higher education in a collaborative effort to reform three key areas: teacher preparation; support for new teachers; and ongoing, progressive…

Reprints an article originally published in 1951. Argues that the group method should not be foisted on young teachers as the only way to teach. Notes that the group method requires a great deal of preparation and much teacher direction. Suggests that smart teachers will continue to use a variety of teaching methods. (RS)

Discusses the current (unacknowledged) national curriculum, the myth of local control, the need for a national curriculum, major issues, and building a national curriculum. (SR)

Argues that many teachers routinely misunderstand and misassess African American students, due to cultural ignorance. Argues that, in teaching African American students, it is the teacher's duty to reach out and learn about African American culture and behaviors to become an effective communicator with African American students. (SR)

Notes that outdated teaching practices and assessment strategies thrive in spite of research findings suggesting more effective alternatives. Argues that action research is a promising solution to this problem, seeking answers to classroom-based problems and issues. Uses a sports-coaching metaphor to examine a five-step model of action research.…

Finds relationships between the process of becoming a proficient science teacher and the process of becoming a competitive swimmer. Notes that the author's student teaching, in concert with theoretical and methodological coursework, and composing a theoretical framework paper on a research-based rational for teaching science, all contributed to a…

Describes Juvenile Peer Court--a middle ground between school-centered sanctions and juvenile court. Notes that juveniles who decline Peer Court or who do not complete their ordered sanctions are referred to formal prosecution in juvenile court. (SR)

Describes an "excellent and inspiring educators' conference" attended by the author: a three-day summer baseball camp for youngsters (attended by his 12-year-old daughter) sponsored by the local minor league professional team, a marvel of collaborative learning, team teaching, and respect, friendly encouragement, and high expectations for all. (SR)

Describes how using prereading opinionnaires enhances students' understanding of literature while satisfying many of the demands of Standard #3 of the Standards for the English Language Arts. Offers examples of such opinionnaires, and shows how one was used in a 9th-grade English class to promote students' understanding of the novel "The Giver,"…

Examines 17 national standards documents from 12 key subject areas, to identify six critical thinking and reasoning skill areas that cut across core subject areas. Discusses to what extent different subject areas place different emphasis on the various thinking and reasoning skills. Discusses how thinking and reasoning should be taught. (SR)

Notes factors in traditional schooling that discourage constructive thinking (including both critical and creative intellectual processes). Describes a number of stand-alone creative-thinking activities for classrooms, and presents four steps to integrate constructive thinking into the standard school curriculum. (SR)

Suggests that improving teachers' job satisfaction is paramount in an era where half of new teachers drop out of the profession in the first five years. Discusses sources of teacher dissatisfaction, benefits of collegial investment, shared leadership, support meetings, mentoring, and lessening dissatisfaction. (RS)

Illustrates how sports literature can be used in character education. Focuses on 10 ingredients for being a successful or "highly effective" person, and includes examples drawn from sports or sports literature. Discusses setting goals; proactive responses/positive thinking; a strong work ethic; a never-surrender attitude; physical and…

Describes a summer externship program in Nevada which offers educators a stipend to spend 90 hours at a summer jobsite in their home community. Discusses the many benefits to educators and to employers. Discusses the author's experience in her summer externship, and the deep influence it had in her second-grade class teaching. (SR)