Describes the Early Childhood Accelerated Program, an innovative pilot program in Wichita, Kansas, focusing on high-ability children ages 3-5 from culturally diverse groups. (PKP)

Identifies and discusses five dimensions of recent brain research related to learning and links them to suggestions for improving teaching. The five dimensions are positive attitudes, acquiring and integrating knowledge, extending and refining knowledge, using knowledge meaningfully, and habits of the mind. Draws implications for teaching…

Discusses the concept of double alignment, where the curriculum, instruction, and assessment are aligned to both state standards and the needs of students. Describes curricular, instructional, assessment, and administrative features of double alignment. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

Discusses six questions to help teachers differentiate between the ability and performance of students with learning disabilities and those whose native language is not English. Describes experience with individual students. Recommends that ESOL and special-education teachers collaborate in diagnostic process. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

Veteran first-grade teacher describes her 2-year inclusion experience with three special-education students. Offers other teachers suggestions for planning and implementing inclusion. (PKP)

Describes how one elementary school implemented a plan to involve students with moderate learning disabilities in writing their own IEP programs. Asserts that process of student self-advocacy results in more active learners. (PKP)

Teacher describes yearlong experience with the inclusion of an autistic boy in her second-grade class, including his effect on classmates. Offers advice to other teachers. (PKP)

Describes how veteran elementary teacher at international school in Saudi Arabia uses her knowledge of brain research to design instruction that will enhance student retention of new geographic concepts. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

Reviews results of four recent studies exploring the effects of various student-grouping schemes on academic achievement. Grouping plans included multiage classrooms, full-time ability grouping, and within-classroom grouping. Two studies investigated administrator attitudes toward student grouping. Several studies found that grouping plans…

Describes the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in students. Suggests ways that teachers can help students cope with catastrophic events such as the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. (PKP)

In a question-and-answer session, David C. Berliner discusses wide range of topics related to current state of the teaching profession, including qualities of the expert teacher, attracting higher quality teachers, teacher career-stage programs, merit pay, and promising reforms for teacher education in last decade. (PKP)

Describes disparity in teacher supply (shortages versus surpluses) among states, school districts, and teaching fields. Discusses reasons for these disparities and describes some successful and unsuccessful strategies and policy reforms to recruit more qualified teachers. (Contains 21 references.) (PKP)

Collection of personal statements from variety of elementary and secondary teachers, administrators, librarians, and specialists about their experiences as educators. (PKP)

Article based on Public Agenda study of attitudes and feelings of new teachers that found them highly motivated, committed, and enthusiastic about their chosen profession. Study also found that school administrators were equally positive about new teachers. Challenges widely held assumptions about decline in supply and quality of new teachers.…

Argues that conventional approaches to teacher training and certification deter interested and talented people from entering the teaching profession. Suggests combination of alternative certification programs and school-level accountability may help to increase the supply of quality teachers. (PKP)