Offers suggestions to help teachers deal with international students in early grades, e.g., make a relaxed and welcoming first impression; include international pupils in group activities from the beginning; explain appropriate classroom standards of behavior; and incorporate parents in the learning process. (DMM)

Discusses guidelines from the General Directory for Catechesis for teaching religion to children pre-kindergarten through eighth grade: (1) faith education; (2) liturgical education; (3) moral formation; (4) prayer instruction; (5) community life education; and (6) missionary initiation. Describes in-service sessions with principals and curriculum…

Offers an overview of the use of instructional technologies in elementary and secondary education, summarizing study findings showing the widespread use of various methods. Stresses the teacher's role in using technology effectively. Presents examples of innovative models currently in use. (DMM)

The Individualized Instruction Resource Program (IIRP) is a special program for underachieving freshmen and sophomores at Gordon Technical High School in Chicago. In operation since 1969, IIRP uses a coordinated curriculum, unique scheduling, and a practical, often individual approach, which has consistently increased the self-images of its…

Discusses the role of conscience in moral decisions and several approaches to moral education. Indicates that moral development is an interactive process between children and their environment and that empathy, delayed gratification, and the courage to withstand social pressure must be encouraged in the moral education of youth. (MAB)

From a Catholic perspective, discusses the responsibility for and difficulties of teaching children about sexuality. Underscores the importance of parents' and teachers' self-confidence. Raises seven issues; among these are cooperation between home and school, training of parents and teachers in effective catechesis, and balancing the cognitive…

Asserts that teaching the arts to children will help make appreciation and creativity a way of life and self-education the ultimate goal of education. States that it is important for children to develop a sense of design. Contends that the use of art in teaching content-area subjects is a natural integrated approach to teaching. (VWC)

Looks at the implications of the new millennium in the development of Catholic identity of teachers. Puts forth a Catholic identity paradigm for the educator, and addresses issues of commitment to community-building, lifelong spiritual and religious growth, ongoing professional development, formation of students' spiritualities, and students'…

Argues that students' self-esteem must come from within. Provides strategies to help teachers create a classroom environment that allows students to build their own self-esteem, including (1) encouraging instead of praising; (2) building self-reliance; (3) creating a positive atmosphere of belonging; (4) recognizing individuality; and (5) modeling…

Examines the role of teachers in an increasingly technology-based world. Highlights potential clashes between administrators and teachers with regard to the classroom uses of technology. Indicates that teachers must become learners once again if they are to fulfill their new role as facilitators in the technology-enriched classroom. (MAB)

Describes the attempts of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to answer the question of whether today's students learning mathematics are prepared for the 21st century. Discusses the release of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study to help analyze how mathematics is taught around the world, and reviews successful…

Stresses the importance for Catholic school educators to reveal the Christian message through every gesture of behavior and foster an experiential faith in students' lives. States that this demands a great deal of skill, knowledge, and self-awareness on the teacher's part, and requires self-esteem, authentic caring, humility, and communication…

Presents a four-stage model for dioceses wishing to integrate media literacy into elementary and secondary religious studies and parish youth programs. Describes the Vatican's 1992 Aetatis Novae: Pastoral Instruction on Social Communications, and its effect on Catholic curricula. (VWC)