This article considers the teaching role of the elementary school media specialist and ways that cooperation with other teachers in the school may be developed. (SJL)

Two plans for classroom management are included under this topic: "Nine Ways Kids Need You and How You Can Manage to Meet those Needs" by Marva T. Dixon and "Routine Ways to Better Your Teaching" by Jane Bluestein. (JMK)

In an interview, Barbara Koppman, a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and curriculum writer, expresses her opinions on professional standards, teacher morale, teacher evaluation, the use of master teachers, professional organizations for teachers, teacher image in the media, and the school's role in solving social problems. (JN)

This interview with Ernest Boyer focuses on the role of the teacher. How a teacher envisions the professional role determines the degree of creativity, excitement, and freedom within that role. Teachers need to be very clear, singleminded, and determined about moving in a better direction. (MT)

Briefly presents expert opinion on the pros and cons of allowing parents to educate their children at home. (JMB)

Although paddling of students appears to be rare and infrequent, many teachers and administrators wish to keep this option as a form of corporal punishment. However, if schools wish to encourage the development of students into compassionate, self-confident adults, paddling and other forms of corporal punishment must be banned. (CB)

The author relates that she was an introvert child. It has always taken her time and energy to find her place in a group. As a grown-up, she still needed quiet time to regroup during a busy day. In this article, the author presents an interview with Marti Olsen Laney, author of "The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child." During the interview,…

To be successful, individualized instruction must be introduced gradually. Children, especially those in the primary grades, do not know how to use freedom and initiative in the classroom. They must be taught this before individualization is implemented. (SJL)

Discusses how educational practice is influenced by economic, political, and social forces that reside outside the schools or school district. (CM)

In his third book, "Ready or Not, Here Life Comes" (Simon & Shuster, 2005), pediatrician and brain researcher Dr. Mel Levine talks about the rising number of "start-up adults"--students who emerge from high school or college to find themselves woefully unprepared for the realities of a career. This article presents an interview with Dr. Levine…

Excessive emphasis on objectives can lead to teachers who are good compliers, not necessarily good teachers. Teachers can become so preoccupied with evaluations, record keeping, and paperwork deadlines that they haven't time or energy to reflect on their teaching. (MT)

In this interview, Shirley Hufstedler, Secretary of the new Department of Education, talks about her aspirations for the department and about today's teachers and students. Appended is a description of the Department of Education's offices, major programs, and chief personnel. (Author/SJL)

Argues that schools should resist, not welcome, becoming responsible for remediating community and personal failings in such areas as sex education, optimal development of the whole child, student motivation, ethnic identity, religious observances, and psychotherapy. (RH)

An elementary teacher describes how she helped a shy kindergarten student find the magic within himself that would lead to accepting friendship from other children. She discovered he needed patience and gentle prodding in order to move in the right direction. (SM)

This article presents practical information to help teachers become an effective force for drug education in their schools. A profile of a second grade teacher is included. She created a program that combines parent involvement and building student self-esteem in an effort to prepare children to refuse drugs in later years. (IAH)