Accuses the National Education Association (NEA) of encouraging its teacher-members to indoctrinate children on the benefits of a nuclear freeze. Holds that a new study guide, produced by the Union of Concerned Scientists in conjunction with the NEA, is political propaganda. (GC)

Since teaching is a creative endeavor, there are no infallible guides to success. Good instruction, however, typically involves four elements: motivation, organization, clarification, and generalization. Furthermore, a great teacher is one who projects a vision of excellence. (Author/GC)

Students can develop valuable research skills and learn about our political process by obtaining campaign finance reports filed by all candidates in federal elections. Other statistics and information available from the Federal Election Commission are also valuable learning tools. (Author/GC)

If teachers and administrators are to offer opportunities for students to become morally educated, they must understand the concept of a morally educated person and exemplify the values they hope to instill. Poetry, novels, biographies, and films provide excellent material for instruction and discussion of moral concepts. (Author/GC)

A sociologist discusses the need for schools to create "social capital," the values and standards once transmitted by the traditional family that equip a child with a sense of self. Argues that schools located in the workplace can re-create and strengthen the ties between parent and child and among parents with children. (FMW)

Wiktor Kulerski, Deputy Minister of Poland's Ministry of Education, and Andrzej Janowski, a Vice-Minister of Education, members of the Solidarity union's teachers branch, discuss their involvement with the union that forced democratic reforms in Poland's Communist government and ensuing changes in the Polish social studies curriculum. (FMW)

Explains the benefits of a multicultural focus in the teaching of American history. In addition to engaging the attention of minority youth, such a focus would convey a more interesting and accurate portrait, while aiding students in understanding world history. (DM)

The rapid, disjointed, and vivid style of Sesame Street may impede rather than promote progress toward literacy and the development of voluntary attention. It robs children of the ability to create mental pictures. Contends that it is a failure as an instructional medium. (DM)

Describes research and writing activities introduced to a third grade class in Edgecombe (Maine). Students learned to take brief notes without copying, locate information in the library beyond encyclopedias, make logs of observations, interview experts, and present information in several formats, including acrostics, timelines, and dioramas. (DM)