Offers an overview of current challenges of preparing foreign language teachers in United States schools. Discusses the growing demand for foreign language classes in elementary and middle schools; longer internships for preservice teachers; ongoing professional development; more bilingual and immersion programs; and the trend toward…

Assesses the capabilities and limitations of a collaborative writing software program used in a French foreign language writing course. Discusses the value of collaborative writing in foreign language writing; provides an introduction to collaborative writing software; and offers practical classroom activities. (SR)

Reprints an article originally published in 1938. Discusses a sex education and marriage unit of study developed for a social studies course. Notes that the unit was developed with students' input on topics and methods of instruction. Finds that students considered the unit to be useful and that few parents objected. (RS)

Describes the evolution of 2 of the 15 criteria (on United States history and world history) developed and adapted by the National Council for History Standards. (SR)

Discusses several prominent intervention approaches intended to prevent violence and inappropriate behavior in school by directly or indirectly affecting the social climate of the school. Looks at programs focusing on: parent and community involvement; character education; violence prevention and conflict resolution curricula; peer mediation; and…

Argues that a commitment to supporting student First Amendment rights can and should be a primary educational goal, helping to instill in students an appreciation for responsible citizenship in a pluralistic society. Discusses definitions of "obscene,""vulgar," and "indecent," and how a school should respond to situations involving charges that…

Argues that secondary and post secondary academic department chairs are both managers and leaders whose real work is to manage conversational inquiry that engages others in creating possibilities, breakthroughs, and a sustainable future for their common enterprise. Describes leadership capabilities demanded by this work; well-honed communication…

Argues that, although technology has great potential to engage students, it can also undermine their notions of what serious study is. Argues the teacher's role is critical, and that teachers must engage students in making sense of their experiences. Outlines seven critical issues regarding technology in the classroom. Argues that technology…

Argues that the alarming lack of fitness of today's American child is typical but is definitely not normal. (SR)

The author advocates the use of the reference book, The Writer's Market, by English teachers, because it provides career information for writing students and lets them experience the real world of publishing in various ways. (SJL)

A Package of classroom activities is presented on the theme of initiation, with suggestions of many titles from adolescent literature. Ideas for including rock music, movies, and television programs are also given. (SJL)

The case study approach is suggested as one method by which the neglected social and interpersonal aspects of sex might be handled effectively in the classroom. Resources are suggested and three sample case studies with discussion questions provided. (Author/SJL)

A program was developed in the Norwalk, Connecticut schools to smooth student transition between elementary, intermediate, and high schools. It includes spring orientation activities and staggered opening of school in September to give each new class full staff attention on the first day of school. (SJL)

A survey of development and information practices in alternative schools in New England revealed that staffs draw heavily from human resources within their local communities to initiate and sustain school operations; as the schools mature, staffs rely more on each other for new information about education. (Author/SJL)

Five critical components of teacher morale are outlined: administrative leadership, administrative concern, personal interaction, opportunity for input, and professional growth. For each component, the author lists behavioral symptoms of a morale problem and ways the administrator can diagnose the difficulty and prescribe a solution. (SJL)