Preservice teachers generally are confident and enthusiastic about their abilities to teach effectively. These desirable qualities are based, for the most part, on the preservice teachers' previous experiences as students in the classroom, not as teachers. While the personal experience a preservice teacher brings to his or her teacher-preparation…

Teachers have a significant role to play in developing citizens committed to social justice. They can best fulfill this role by guiding students to examine injustice, seek out multiple perspectives on social problems, and develop concrete strategies for improving their communities and nation. This work is best supported by the development of a…

Describes the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome, a little-known disorder of the central nervous system whose symptoms include involuntary movements, such as facial tics, and the production of involuntary sounds, such as grunts and obscenities. Suggests ways teachers can help a child afflicted with this disorder. (SJL)

A brief review of factors to consider in assigning a handicapped child to a regular classroom. (SJL)

The reading problem facing many moderately deficient secondary students (one to three years behind grade level) is less one of skill deficiencies than attitude toward reading. Reading teachers, classroom teachers, principals, and parents can all do specific things to help students improve skills and develop the desire to read. (Author/SJL)

Explains the importance of student teachers performing the learning tasks they assign to their students in order to understand the nature and purpose of each task and its unique demands on teachers and students. The paper recommends guiding student teachers to develop their own abilities and view their teaching roles as nurturers of their own…

Describes the development of alternative assessments being used successfully at two North Carolina elementary schools, noting the active participation of teachers in their development. From commonalities among the assessments, a seven-step, practice-based model was adapted and evaluated. The model highlights faculty buy-in, leadership, staff…

This article briefly describes Live Oak School, a nongraded, parent-run alternative for ages 4-13, whose main concern is providing a positive and supportive learning environment. Its affective objectives for learners and teachers in the areas of self-concept, responsibility, and positive social interaction are outlined. (SJL)

Today's reforms call for teachers to become involved in decision making outside the classroom. Teachers need the necessary skills to become active participants. This paper examines: areas where teachers can be involved in decision making; necessary knowledge and skills; ways to include this preparation within preservice teacher education; and the…

By age three or four, children have already begun to construct their gender and racial identity. Stereotypes, prejudices, and practices in homes, communities, and the media can negatively affect children's feelings about themselves and others. Derman-Sparks (1983, 3) warned that young children may develop "pre-prejudice," which she…

When considering democratic education, educators talk about teaching the "whole child," creating caring classrooms, building communities of learning where every student has access to knowledge, and teaching students how to be active citizens (Goodlad and Keating 1994; Noddings 2002; Apple 1993). These are not practices that are done…

Asserts that today's students must cope with considerable hostility and find the courage to survive aggression (e.g., through organized religion). Without religion in schools, educators lose values that teach children to be ethical, contributing citizens. Teachers must be leaders in moral development in order to help students understand how their…

When teachers are directly involved in policy decisions, they are more likely to support them. Teachers can seek out multiple, practical opportunities to contribute to this process. Some avenues that teachers can take to impact policy decisions include curriculum planning and integration, school-based management, internal evaluation, computer…

For schools to be peaceful places offering quality education, conflicts must be managed constructively, without verbal or physical violence. Understanding stress is the first step toward managing it. Theory must inform reality to arm teachers with knowledge-based solutions. This paper examines stress and conflict, conflict and anger, managing…

Korean children's school experiences as new immigrants to the United States are often emotionally turbulent because of environmental and psychological stresses that result when moving from one culture to another. With some basic knowledge and some suggested approaches, teachers can assist these children, whose numbers are increasing, to have a…