While both human-animal studies (HAS) and explorations of the educative potential of animals in classrooms have exploded in recent decades, the different roles served by classroom pets in the history of the American curriculum have received scant critical attention. Pets were a central feature of family life since the founding of the American…

Schools are beset with a serious "alienation gap" between teachers and students that is no less a problem than the "achievement gap." Increasing student voice is thought to be one means to fill the gap, for it activates agency and thereby decreases passivity. The extent of agency ranges from attentive adult listening to strong student leadership.…

Describes how categories from the curriculum can play a central role in the interactional construction of students' identities. Follows one adolescent who came to enact the identity of disruptive outcast in the classroom. Argues this development was facilitated by discussion of a curricular theme. (CAJ)

Describes the workable strategies a student teacher found to deal with student apathy and disinterest. Discusses the use of script writing; balancing "old" literature with writing hot off the presses; using writing about real subjects which captivate student interest to work on writing arguments; and exploring cultural incongruities through…

This article suggests ways for teachers to help students handle stress. Creating a comfortable, cheerful environment in which children are stimulated to accept challenges and take risks is one of the first steps in teaching children to cope with stress in the classroom. (FG)

Discusses the impact of a "shy" student, and her subsequent death, on a middle school teacher. Suggests that it is up to middle school teachers to implement a middle school philosophy and to provide a sense of security and belonging to every student in every classroom. (RS)

Spiritual development in adolescents is marked by the search for meaning, longing for solitude, urge for transcendence, hunger for joy, creative drive, and hunger for rites of passage. Educators can foster spiritual development by creating an environment where students can explore these yearnings and make connections within themselves, to other…

Describes an experimental, team-taught, low level ninth grade English class which emphasized writing. Discusses students, their writing, the use of journal writing, ability grouping, and what the classroom environment was like. Notes that students improved in all their other classes during the semester they spent in this class. (SR)