Excessive workloads, crammed schedules, and "perfectionism" are causing today's teens undue stress. Cathy Vatterott, an international expert on K-12 homework, describes this as an epidemic of "rudderless box checkers--four AP classes, check; debate team, check; two sports, check; honor roll, check." What can educators do then…

With the push toward personalized learning, many districts are finding that teachers are unprepared for a completely new method of teaching. In this article, the authors describe a professional development program from Ottawa Area Intermediate School District in western Michigan called FuturePREP'd. In the program, teachers experience personalized…

A personalized education, according to Ted Sizer, means that students are known by adult professionals in the school. Administrators at a California high school with 2,000 students and very large classes initiated an adopt-a-kid program by matching adult volunteers on campus with low-achieving students. This program, along with a successful block…

SAGE is a five-year class-size-reduction program being implemented in 80 Wisconsin schools. A longitudinal, evaluative study is being conducted in 30 SAGE schools. Small classes have three effects leading to increased individualization: fewer discipline problems, greater knowledge of students, and more teacher enthusiasm (using directive methods).…

An interactive transition plan is a document that a student with disabilities makes with the assistance of friends, family members, or school personnel. This plan helps the student communicate relevant information to the general-education teacher. Sharing plans with receiving teachers can be rewarding and insightful. (MLH)

A Tennessee elementary school's adoption of a looping program, allowing teachers to stay with their classes for two years, resulted in improved student confidence and teacher/parent relationships. Looping places less pressure on young students to learn all curriculum objectives in one year. Lessons and benefits are summarized. (MLH)