This study examined classrooms in three, high performing, public secondary schools serving high need communities. Of 22 classes observed, we found approximately one third exhibited an instructional demand for 21st century skills. In many of the remaining classes, teachers appeared to apply misconceptions of 21st century skills, and unintentionally…

The U.S. Department of Education predicts that more than 2.2 million teaching positions in kindergarten through 12th grade will need to be filled over the next 10 years. Given the demand for classroom teachers, 48 states and the District of Columbia have created alternate route (AR) teaching certification programs to recruit individuals who have…

Implications of teacher responses to the Teaching Events Stress Inventory completed by about 22 percent of Chicago (Illinois) teachers. (MLF)

Highlights state-level diploma options, graduation requirements, and the potential impact on students, specifically those with disabilities and others at risk. Findings illustrate the need for alternative diploma options that have value and meaning for all students. (Contains 22 references.) (Authors/PKP)

To help educators understand similarities and differences between American and Oriental educational systems, this article outlines 22 major characteristics of Japanese and South Korean schools and compares them with U.S. practices. An important difference is Asian parents' considerable involvement and interest in their schools. (MLH)

When interscholastic athletic programs enhance students' intellectual and social development, athletic participation becomes a valuable educational experience. Achieving success in our society requires much more than attaining academic success. The positive relationship between interscholastic athletics and educational performance should…

Developing helping skills and strategies for working with groups, parents, and other professionals is essential for teacher/advisors desiring to create a more favorable learning environment. School counselors are the key to teacher growth and development in program development, time management, creative leadership, accountability, and high,…

By addressing bullying issues, school personnel may prevent more serious violent behavior. This article reviews bullies' and victims' characteristics and describes a school-based intervention plan for managing bullying behavior on the playground and classroom, educating parent/teacher organizations and counselors, and publicizing and implementing…

Teachers' rights to engage in religious activities may not be as extensive as students' rights. Students may participate in religious clubs on school premises so long as the school permits other noncurricular, student-initiated clubs to meet during noninstructional time. Courts' confusing forum analysis complicates the picture. (Contains 22…

To overcome the superprincipal complex, principals must become expert in processing information and making decisions. To make informed decisions most effectively, principals should employ participatory management, become process consultants, and incorporate the Situation-Target-Proposal (STP) method for resolving problems. Otherwise, change will…

Instead of perpetuating a macroeconomic labor-exchange model, educators must discover how to promote individual career planning for everyone. If each person has one lifelong career, we must help people get and keep jobs, while helping them plan future worklives and balance work roles and responsibilities with other life roles. (22 references) (MLH)

In tomorrow's schools, technology will strongly determine how and what teachers will use for instruction. Literacy requirements will include accessing, thinking, and communication skills. Curriculum planners will grasp real-world requirements and will set guidelines for needed skills. Children will begin education in their cribs surrounded by…

Every year, a Vermont high school teacher uses laws of physics to teach students how to design, field test, and calibrate a weapon that fires tennis balls to 100-yard distances. This article explains how the "physics war" grew to accommodate the new Vermont curriculum standards at various organizational levels. (22 references) (MLH)

To tackle low achievement and a 22% freshmen student withdrawal rate, a Seattle, Washington, high school gradually restructured its vision, policies, and curriculum. A committee fashioned the Bridge project, providing all freshmen with access to opportunities promoting academic achievement, responsibility, school spirit, fellowship, acceptance,…

Discusses research-based guidelines for designing effective service-learning programs. Success requires establishing clear goals, projecting desired outcomes, involving staff who support experiential learning, engaging administrators who support flexibility and staff development, involving community partners in planning, incorporating evaluation…