Today's reforms call for teachers to become involved in decision making outside the classroom. Teachers need the necessary skills to become active participants. This paper examines: areas where teachers can be involved in decision making; necessary knowledge and skills; ways to include this preparation within preservice teacher education; and the…

Teacher candidates with mature life experiences offer the strongest potential for connecting with at-risk students, and alternative certification can bring them into the classroom. This paper discusses the following: how mature teachers provide needed supports to at-risk students, who comprises this group of teachers, and how mature teachers can…

Examining differences between education in the United States and in Japan means analyzing cultural dissimilarities. An overview of Japan's educational makeup, curriculum, and graduation rates provides background in comparing educational systems for future reforms. This paper examines Japanese school structures, government support, institutional…

Challenges to public school materials, curricula, and instructional activities reflect perceptions that conservative Protestants face discrimination in U.S. public schools. Perceptions of religious disparagement trigger the establishment of alternative schools. Concerns over materials and activities that offend Protestants are found in Christian…

Students exposed to conflict-resolution and peer-mediation programs learn skills to communicate more effectively at school, at home, and in the community. This paper discusses student conflicts, student responses to conflict, implementing conflict resolution and peer mediation, integration of conflict resolution and peer mediation into the…

Conflicting philosophies exist among educators and parents regarding inclusive education. This paper presents the opinions of advocates and opponents and examines research on how inclusion affects students and teachers. As schools implement inclusion, research must continue investigating its effect on all students' academic and social progress.…

Despite dramatic evolution during the past decade, assessment of student performance still has issues to address which present important challenges for educators and may determine whether assessment ultimately succeeds or fails. The three issues are evaluating students, applying assessment innovations (holistic scoring and portfolio assessment),…

Teachers are rarely prepared for violence, and their idealism may undermine credibility and lead to disillusionment. Reality, therefore, must inform theory to equip educators with action-based solutions. Teachers need adequate preparation on handling students who bring weapons to school. The paper presents principles to ponder regarding school…

Teachers need sound skills and knowledge to manage their classrooms effectively. Without rules, rewards, and consequences, students will care little about learning. This paper discusses managing with an overall plan, motivating students using rewards, viewing consequences as results, and examining the task ahead. Suggests that guidelines and…