Aversion to poetry reading in adults may be directly related to the misguided teaching methods directed toward the student. Programs for teaching poetry to elementary and junior high students should focus on two areas of emphasis: how to read poetry, both aloud and silently, and how to understand poetry. (JN)

The creation/evolution controversy has gained renewed popularity in the last few years. This has resulted in serious implications for science teachers. All classroom teachers need to protect themselves by learning the distinctions between scientific law and theory and to acquire knowledge of the various theories of evolution. (JN)

Tailoring programs to fit children is different from designing programs that exclude them. The many skills exhibited in gifted behavior can be taught, learned, and acquired to some degree by all children. (CJ)

Frances FitzGerald's critique of American social studies and history curricula in "America Revised" is reviewed. The conclusion drawn is that censorship, special interests, and marketability exercise too great an influence on the textbook industry. (JMF)

A city-wide elementary school reading program that emphasizes mastery learning and continuous progress in Chicago, Continuous Progress--Mastery Learning, is blamed for the declining reading test scores of high school students there. The program's origins and evolution are described along with a new program, Chicago Mastery Learning Reading, which…

Rather than emphasizing only the virtues of American history and culture, teachers should design their social studies curricula to reflect the gap that exists between American ideals and the reality of American life. (JN)