"Everyone Playing in Class" is an unstructured free play based provision for small classes or groups. The intervention involves training staff in attachment theory, presenting up-to-date research findings on the role of play in emotional well-being and relationship building, as well as teaching reflective communication skills. In this…

This article is condensed from the topical kit, "NEA Focus: Class Size--A Critical Factor in Quality Education." It cites research on the effects of class size on classroom environment, pupil attitudes, and teacher morale. It also discusses the politics of class size and the advantages of small classes. (SJL)

Much continues to be written about the failure of U.S. schools to provide a quality education for at-risk urban students. Private Nativity model schools have been instituted in response to the need to provide quality education at the middle school level for such students. As the number of these and other alternative middle schools increases, a…