Teachers at all levels have reported a stark decline in students' ability to interact with others face-to-face in a technology-driven world. In the world of work, communicative soft skills have surfaced as both a concern and focal point for potential employers. Schools can teach these skills using an approach called S.P.E.C.I.A.L, which focuses on…

Student engagement is an important consideration for teachers and administrators because it is explicitly associated with achievement. What the authors call the ABC's of engagement they outline as: Affective engagement, Behavioral engagement, and Cognitive engagement. They also present "Three Things Every Teacher Needs to Know about…

Presents evaluation guidelines for educational software for educators with limited knowledge of computers. (MD)

A teacher, responding to the commission and task force criticism of education, points out that for real educational improvement to take place, critics must communicate with teachers. (MD)

The president of the National Education Association (NEA) responds to Chester Finn's article (EA 518 431, this issue) by pointing out patterns of inaccuracy and misrepresentation in Finn's criticisms of the NEA. (MD)

Describes an alternative, relaxed, discipline system with four simple rules: (1) use mild consequences initially, (2) enforce rules without anger, (3) track each student infraction, and (4) reward frequently but unpredictably. (MD)

Recounts the circumstances leading to the author's decision to retire from teaching--an example of "knowing when to quit." (MCG)

Outlines a fictitious but ideal school in which staff work cooperatively and are encouraged to develop their talents. (MD)

Findings from a three-year study found classroom interactions between teachers and students short on both quality and equality. Teachers need training in the importance of precise reactions, equitably delivered. (MD)

A teacher integrates character education into content lessons by lacing a "character cocktail" with community, manners, and ethical decision-making. (MLF)

The future of computers in education today will be similar to that of television in education 30 years ago, unless educators begin to play a major role in bringing computer technology into the schools to stay. (MD)

Presents a case for changing the emphasis in education from training for proficiency in basic skills to teaching students how to use computers. (MD)

Reviews the positive effects of integrating severely handicapped students into special classes emphasizing structured interaction with nonhandicapped peers. Includes factors to consider for successful integration. (MD)

Most school improvement begins outside the school, but the greatest promise for school reform with the most potential for lasting changes comes from within the school itself. (MD)

Presents a set of principles to serve as guides for motivating students: inviting success, cooperative learning, high expectations, set induction, and interaction. Includes a scorecard for rating motivational skills. (MD)