Considers the reactions of children to natural disasters and discusses the use of natural disasters in the social studies curriculum. Provides a list of online resources that may assist elementary school teachers in educating their students about natural disasters. (CMK)

Provides a conception of critical thinking and the critical thinker, who is characterized by five intellectual resources: background knowledge, operational knowledge of good thinking, knowledge of critical concepts, effective heuristics, and habits of mind. Explains, with examples, each intellectual resource. Discusses the task of teaching…

Describes Lawton (Michigan) Elementary School's "Road to Success" program, which emerged from concern for students' knowledge of civics and ability to participate as effective citizens. Explains that an important aspect of the program is its focus on Core Democratic Values. (CMK)

Considers, within the multicultural context, the extent to which the elements of "story" are present in the classroom curriculum and how the "telling" momentarily preempts the possibility of all but a single interpretation. The author reconsiders content sources and the blind adherence to these sources which can bias learning…

The Lawrence Township (Indianapolis, Indiana) school district has shifted from a traditional approach to programming for gifted and talented students to a talent development approach, creating a K-12 Talent Recognition and Development Program (TRAD). The program focuses on four talent areas: academic, visual/performing arts, technical/vocational,…

This article proposes six "quality" indicators of assessment practices with culturally and linguistically diverse students, including: (1) examination of opportunity to learn; (2) involvement of parents or caretakers; (3) use of trained interpreters; (4) nonreliance on psychometrics; (5) use of a multidisciplinary team; and (6) use of informed…

Guidelines for providing appropriate education to hospitalized children are offered, based on 1994 standards developed by the British Government. Four case studies illustrate the variety of student needs and hospital settings. (DB)

This article reviews topics concerning the transition of students with learning disabilities into the work setting, including: definition of learning disabilities, relevant federal legislation, importance of transition planning, "best practices" in transition planning and programming, special problems in working with students who have learning…

The National Paideia Center in Greensboro (North Carolina) trains teachers in learner-centered instruction. The Paideia teacher uses three techniques in a complementary cycle of instruction, integrating didactic sessions with well planned seminars and product-oriented, coached activities and projects. Three teachers describe how the Paideia…

Presents an emerging model for effective teaching of adults and adolescents in multiple religious settings that provides caring contexts where participation, growth, transformation, and insights occur for teacher and learner when sharing their faith with critical reflection. Offers a class dialogue that illustrates the model. (CMK)

Relates how elementary students tend to behave differently in the art classroom than in the content area classrooms. Addresses how art teachers can develop the appropriate skills to promote classroom management in the art classroom. Provides 12 classroom management hints. (CMK)

While remaining alert to worthwhile new initiatives, schools must remember that promising practices by themselves are unlikely to make much sustained impact. Good practice must be integrated into a whole-school effort to build coherence and overcome fragmentation. In schools that can do this, and keep a constant focus on student learning,…

Explains that, with the exception of the "classical" textbook, there are no studies addressing the learning materials and media used by secondary school teachers. Presents results concerning the person- or subject-immanent circumstances under which teachers complement or replace the textbook in both planning and performance. (Author/CMK)

Explains that music teachers can hamper student creativity in music composition by restricting assignments. States that teachers should assign only one parameter, focusing on a broad overarching idea. Provides examples of enabling parameters. Addresses the teacher's response to student work and nurturing musical independence. (CMK)

Considers the student behavioral problems that afflicted colleges in the Early Republic and the solutions college authorities ultimately enforced. Highlights the struggles to combat student disorder at the University of Pennsylvania, in particular the role of Provost Frederic Beasley, and focuses on the growth of meritocracy. (CMK)