Offers brief summaries of contributions made by several of Christopher Columbus's contemporaries, including Nicholas Cusa, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Nicholas Copernicus, Johannes Gutenberg, Sir Thomas More, Desiderius Erasmus, and John Colet. Urges modern Catholic educators to learn from these risk takers and visionaries. (DMM)

Describes a step-by-step process for writing a winning application for the U.S. Department of Education Elementary (or Secondary) School Recognition Program. Underscores the importance of faculty involvement. Explains the application process, covering brainstorming, administrative questions, the first and final drafts, and use of various readers.…

Discusses the role of the teacher, the school, and the community in child catechesis, and urges the development of catecheses that will help children to become mature and responsible adults. (AN)

Describes a research project identifying promising practices in teaching ethnically diverse children in seven Denver elementary schools. Reveals that successful teachers create a stimulating environment, individualize the curriculum, use flexible reading groups, allow relaxed unrestricted movement, focus on cultural continuity, and stress mutual…

Article considered the task of the religious educator, presented three theological questions which are much discussed in the Catholic world today, and examined certain trends in contemporary moral theology which offered some tentative solutions to the problems of religious educators. (Author/RK)

Agrees that strong dissent by a teacher with church teachings is undesirable in a high school classroom. Suggests that "reserved dissent" (i.e., admission of personal doubts and concerns not precluding possible assent or appreciation of a doctrine's good points) can be a positive influence and lead to valuable class discussions. (DMM)

Describes the use of "guided imagery tours," brainstorming, and other class activities to foster creativity and problem solving in a second-grade classroom. (DMM)

Mary Hatwood Futrell, President, National Education Association; Gorden M. Ambach, President, University of the State of New York; Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children's Defense Fund; Rene C. Gonzalez, Office of Educational Research and Improvement; and Nancy Reagan identify students' noninstructional needs. (DMM)

Urges parents and teachers to face the topic of death realistically and naturally, discussing how and when the subject should be raised with children. Considers forms of grief, age differences in children's understanding, theological explanations, and the importance of helping children name/describe their feelings and allowing them to grieve. (DMM)

Offers guidelines for teachers in telephoning to set up visits with parents and dealing with visits by irate parents. (CBC)

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)

Reviews definitions of learning disabilities and program delivery practices, particularly mainstreaming. A short case study is appended. Part of a theme issue on the disabled. (SJL)

Discusses various meeting points between student and teacher, focusing on academic, moral, and affective relationships. (DMM)