An elementary teacher discusses her methods of dealing with a fourth grader who threw temper tantrums when he could not do his work. She offered to bring her dog to school if he showed self-control for a week. He worked hard, avoided temper tantrums, and his positive behavior was rewarded. (SM)

A teacher recounts how she dealt with a new student who was prone to tears and her peers who liked to evoke them. After discovering that the child had family problems, the teacher selected a group of peers to befriend her. (CB)

Reasons for the failure of a teachers' strike are analyzed. (JD)

The choice theory holds that people can control only their own behavior, and that all people need a sense of belonging, freedom, power, and fun. This article argues that teachers must recognize that these needs motivate student behavior, and describes how a middle school turned its discipline and achievement problems around by using choice theory.…

A teacher recounts his work to help a troubled child (who was causing classroom disturbances) learn to make friends and gain peer acceptance. (CB)

Students can and should learn to discipline themselves. This article describes results of one teacher's reflective deliberations on how to handle certain problem students by shifting responsibility for appropriate behavior from the teacher to the student. A brief guide for teachers, "Handling Typical Discipline Scenes," is included. (IAH)

This article identifies physical, psychological, and social obstacles that may block students' thinking ability. Guidelines are provided to help teachers uncover and overcome hidden obstacles. A glossary of thinking skills terms is included. (IAH)

The roles of women as teachers and as educational administrators are compared to those of their male counterparts. Women are beginning to establish their own "old boys" networks as one of several strategies for change. Resources about professional advancement opportunities for women in education are listed. (JMF)

The parent of a child who suffered from a developmental disability tells of problems with the kindergarten teacher concerning the child's placement and evaluation. Parents can provide valuable information about their children--if only teachers will listen. (PP)

Presents strategies to help teachers cope with personal tragedy. The workplace offers a valuable social network for sharing with colleagues, administrators, and students. Teachers may find the constant schoolday demands leave little time for worry. Specific coping strategies include asking for help, temporarily changing the curriculum, and…

Using data and analyses gathered from multiple sources, this article discusses how students learn in reading, writing, and mathematics. A section on reading concentrates on methods and materials that motivate, a writing section concentrates on content, and a mathematics section discusses procedures for problem solving. A bibliography is included.…

A science teacher relates his feelings as he discussed modern warfare with his sixth-grade students. The students' reactions to moral questions and issues behind civil defense procedures and radioactivity are also discussed. (FG)

A middle school teacher describes a situation where a student repeatedly stole money from her desk. Her response was to have a custodian hide, catch the student in the act, then have her suspended. Another teacher and a psychologist present their views of the situation, recommending alternative intervention and discipline. (SM)

Describes a difficult sixth grade girl who spent her elementary school years fighting to feel happy. The article focuses on a teacher's efforts to raise the child's self-esteem by examining her home life then taking appropriate steps to encourage success (e.g., tutoring younger students). (SM)