Every teacher hits a patch where each day seems to bring the same struggles, sometimes with the same kids, sometimes with different ones. At these moments, teachers may feel like everything is about to derail. How they cope with these behavioral problems, especially at the start of the year, can set the tone for success or failure in the months…

The latest government data, analyzed recently by Howard Witt in an article in the "Chicago Tribune," shows that black students are getting a raw deal in American schools when it comes to discipline. In the average New Jersey public school, reports Witt, African-American students are almost 60 times as likely as white students to be expelled.…

Two researchers present perspectives on the types of assessments teachers should conduct to obtain the best possible expectations for student potential and achievement. Suggestions are also presented regarding ways to help students reach their potential and to continue assessing and revising expectations. (CB)

This plan helps make it easier for all students to do what is expected of them while providing additional support for students with special needs. It includes: telling students what is expected of them; modeling the procedure; watching students in action; coaching students who are unsure or noncompliant; encouraging students at every stage;…

Though students enjoy tasteless topics, teachers must set classroom standards that reflect community standards and tolerance levels. Strategies for moving students beyond tasteless topics in writing include: not making them feel bad about their interests; not being afraid to change the rules when there are unhealthy writing ruts; and letting…

Findings are discussed from a study in which classroom behavior of three fifth grade teachers was observed. Their respective classroom environments were labeled: "learning-oriented,""work-oriented," and "work-avoidance." The affect of these environments on achievement test scores and guidelines for implementing motivational strategies employed in…

Presents 35 strategies for dealing with common challenges that may arise in the cooperative learning classroom. Challenges include children who cannot get along, who prefer to be alone, who are unmotivated, who cannot keep up, who finish first, who finish last, and who make too much noise. (SM)

Presents strategies for banishing behavior problems in the classroom and creating a positive learning environment. The behaviors include name calling; hitting and pushing; tattling; poking and touching; overactivity; talking back; complaining about no playmates; being unprepared to work; and lying, cheating, and stealing. On-the-spot solutions are…

Two specialists in child development and child psychology discuss intellect and gender difference and suggest ways teachers can give boys and girls the same opportunities and judge them by the same standards. (SM)

Explains that the amount and quality of talk in the classroom directly affects student achievement and describes how to avoid the initiation-response-evaluation pattern by asking open-ended questions, igniting rich conversations, and increasing wait time with students. The paper also includes Internet resources for boosting talk in the classroom,…

Teachers and parents, working together, can help students reach their potential. They must set realistic, achievable goals and realize that no one makes progress all the time. The paper discusses what to do when a child underachieves and how teachers can prepare parents to deal with a student's poor grades. (SM)

Presents workable strategies for observing, tracking, and reporting student progress in the elementary writing classroom. The article offers tips and techniques for ongoing evaluation (observing writers as they write, conferencing, and student self-evaluation). It also includes a teacher-guided tour of a real Vermont student's writing portfolio.…