National right-wing media and their viewers are alleging that critical race theory (CRT) is "infecting" public school classrooms, fueling an assault on how schools should discuss race, racism, and our nation's history. This turmoil over curriculum and teaching "sensitive" topics is deeply upsetting to teachers. Principals can…

Discusses the role of each member of a secondary school's athletic health care team, including the principal, athletic director, team physician, school nurse, coach or physical educator, and professional and student athletic trainers. (WD)

Recent research shows that the department-head position represents an underutilized source of instructional leadership in secondary schools. To increase department-head participation, principals are advised to heed school tradition, follow employment policy guidelines, determine boundaries, consult involved staff, prepare job descriptions, provide…

Describes a cooperative reading plan for secondary schools that involves the entire staff and student body in organizing an effective reading program. Student needs and interests are central to the plan. (WD)

In the 21st century, the redefinition of teacher professionalism will include three primary features: recognizing oneself as a learner; using that learning-centered spirit to transform schools into learning organizations; and reasserting one's own moral autonomy to provide space and time for serious, reflective thought and study. This redefinition…

Although all teachers may not feel proficient in language instruction, every teacher can provide students with writing experiences through assignments that widen the audience for student writing, offer supportive conditions, increase and vary writing opportunities, and increase idea-producing experiences. (Author/JM)

Reviews the history of humanistic education in the United States and proposes that teachers can achieve the ideals of humanism by being genuinely interested in their students. The humanistic teacher is characterized by fairness, vitality, and concern for student welfare. (WD)

The principal of Concord High School (New Hampshire) recounts the 1985-86 school year's four crises--the visits of teacher-astronaut Christa McAuliffe and Secretary of Education William Bennett, the shooting of a former student, and the Challenger space shuttle explosion. The greatest challenge was resuming the normal schedule and fielding media…

Briefly reviews educational change since the 1830s, stressing a Fourth Wave model arising from 1980s reform movements. Discusses curricular and instructional changes affecting schools, schooling, and teachers. The Fourth Wave emphasizes a relevant, student-centered curriculum, cooperative learning, mastery learning, teacher teamwork, and a…

Rapidly changing technology affects not only teaching techniques, but also the kinds of skills taught. New mathematics software such as the Geometric Supposer and Mathematica can function as "learning ramps" or "intellectual sandboxes" for secondary students. Videodisks, telecommunications,and expert systems will be more widely available in…

Secondary school students are not research experts; they need consistent, constructive guidance to make researching enjoyable, engaging, enriching, and meaningful. Library research too often becomes a necessary evil. Students should learn to move naturally into task definition; information seeking; location and access; and information use,…

Strategies-based instruction aims to help learners become more responsible for learning and using the target language. In an SBI classroom, teachers describe and model potentially useful strategies; elicit additional examples from students; lead group discussions about strategies; encourage student experimentation; and integrate approaches into…

Drawing on literature concerning department chairs' role as either administrators (line personnel) or teachers (staff personnel), this essay concludes that both roles are important and that well-developed human relations skills and managerial skills are equally necessary. (MJL)

Students benefit when educators personalize a high school by developing a sense of community. A Puerto Rico international school employed middle-level concepts (interdisciplinary teams and advisory programs) to build community. Community-minded educators develop a definition unique to their school, know the characteristics of effective…