A 3-section handbook provides secondary school teachers with concrete suggestions on how to use the newspaper to promote a constructive, participatory citizenry. Materials and lessons can be easily integrated into either language arts or social studies courses on history, government, law, American problems, or current events. The lessons can also be used as the basis for an independent course. The first section, "Citizens' Beat," consists of a series of 20 lesson plans, all of which are self-contained and may be used in any order. Most of the lessons can be completed in one day or extended over several class periods, depending on teacher preference. Individual lessons focus on format and content of the newspaper, "The 5 W's and H" (who, when, where, what, why, and how), news analysis skills, the role of a free press, and the newspaper as a vehicle for teaching law-related education. The second section, "What Can You Do about the News?" provides hands-on experience in taking action on a particular problem or issue identified in the news. It emphasizes community services and enables students to understand better how to influence public policy and law-making. The final section, "See It in Print," contains guidelines for a peer audience based writing program. (LP)