February 2002 Table of Contents

Cover Story:
Recipe for a Great School

Five years ago, Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas was in desperate straits. To determine that, you didn't need sophisticated assessment instruments. You just had to follow your nose.

Debate

Is zero tolerance a good idea for school discipline and safety?

'Jail Terrorists, Not Teachers'

In Middletown, New Jersey, 228 teachers and secretaries are jailed for striking. The story behind this story: 'plain old union busting.'

Retiring on Next to Nothing

NEA campaigns for repeal of two Social Security rules that reduce retired educators to poverty.

Serious About Their Jobs--and Kids

Education support professionals have become the fastest-growing membership group in NEA and a force for improving public education.

Interview

Garth Brooks Sings Praises of Literacy

Heroes & Zeroes

Middletown Township Education Association President Diane Swaim is "astounded by how much stronger individual MTEA members have become" as a result of the December jailings.

Innovation

The key to achieving this: Get more students of color into college.

Problems & Solutions

Parent conferencing gets a stronger focus in Tacoma, Washington.

Reading

Thanks to a federal grant, NEA members at five Maryland schools have solid training and research, and resources to teach low-income students.

Inside Scoop

The public gives high marks, weighs in on testing, funding, and achievement.

ESP on the Team

Support professionals and administrators in Illinois abide by a partnership clause that leaves everyone more time to focus on education.

Tips for the Wired Classroom

Insights into Advertising

Letters

Readers react to the January 2002 issue of NEA Today.

President's Viewpoint:
New Respect, Not Reproach

America's lowest-performing public schools must be our highest priority.

My Turn

A Maryland teacher never thought she'd be turning technology loose in her classroom.

Health

Bullying Is on the Rise, but Intervention Helps Potential Victims and Perpetrators

Money

Retirement Planning on the Web; Strategies for Beginning Investors

People

United In Song

Resources

The best in TV, books, contests, awards. Plus, the Diversity Calendar

In the Light Lane

Not Really Naughty