Describes the efforts of the Triton College Continuing Education Department to develop a unified curriculum and to market the program. Includes information on developing a continuing education philosophy, providing a unified curriculum, and creating a marketing bulletin. Illustrates ways to recombine courses to provide a unified approach. (CH)

Effectiveness of substitute teachers is related to the implementation of strategy for their utilization. If substitutes are expected to do more than control students, then teachers must leave lesson plans, activities, and materials that can be used by anyone. Cooperation and coordination are essential for substitutes' success. (MD)

In the days before computers, passing on information to substitutes was difficult. Now teachers can individualize their lesson plans to guarantee that substitute teachers and the students will both have a good day. This article provides some plan-ahead procedures that have worked for the author.

Describes an Illinois school district's successful effort to boost its early education program by reopening an older school and putting all three-to-six year olds into smaller classes under one roof. Success came from careful planning, a close working relationship with community members, smart public relations, and a good product showing strong…

Educators are responsible for creating classroom environments that encourages attentiveness and curiosity while minimizing distractions and discipline problems. The author of this article suggests several ways for teachers to maintain a classroom's physical organization in terms of physical, academic, and aesthetic ambience.

A high school English teacher recounts her experiences in taking over sponsorship of the school newspaper. (SJL)

The author, who changed her French class from a traditional, teacher-directed format to independent study, explains the benefits she found in this new system, particularly in the change of her own role. (SJL)

Every Saturday morning La Crosse, Wisconsin, high school students can earn credit for a failed semester without interrupting the rest of their academic schedule. During the first year of Saturday School, approximately 75 students made up failed courses and regained their confidence in their ability to succeed academically. (MLF)

This article describes techniques for organizing curriculum in a one-teacher rural elementary school. Flexibility in grouping and teaching strategies, thematic approaches, and independent learning activities are emphasized. (SJL)

To help elementary school social students understand how a government works, the article describes an activity which requires a combination of government-related knowledge and procedural skills. The activity focuses on citizenship decision making and includes a mock presidential election. (DB)

In this article, the author gives advice on how music educators can prepare ahead of time for days in which a substitute teacher will be needed. One suggestion includes creating a substitute folder, possibly during the summer when free time is more available. The author also suggests creating actual lesson plans that a substitute with no musical…

Because the national education agenda is focused on standards, testing, and accountability, schools are at risk of narrowly defining their mission as improving test scores. In this environment, it is easy to forget that public education serves a larger civic mission. Preserving and promoting a democratic society was the founding precept of the…

This article discusses individualized instruction in physical education programs and suggests how to implement a "levels approach" to meet student needs. The Secondary Physical Education Curriculum and Resource Guide was prepared to integrate curriculum planning components with a focus on individualization. (DF)

This article describes typical activities in a Gifted Bilingual Class, part of the state-funded Union City (New Jersey) Bilingual Program for students who are academically gifted in their native language, but limited in English proficiency. Some student identification and instructional procedures are noted. (SJL)

Describes a year-long, technically-oriented photography/film course developed by the authors for the Newton (Massachusetts) Public Schools. Lists some of the program's objectives, discusses problems of working with chemicals and providing darkroom space, and emphasizes the program's motivational effects. (SJL)