The Fix

The hue and cry over the so-called No Child Left Behind law has only become more fervent in the two years since its passage. Can it ever live up to the spirit of its name? Yes, but ensuring the necessary repairs will require focus and mobilization. Here's a guide for making it happen.

When Words Burn

The Bush Administration has never embraced NEA's ideas about how to improve the controversial federal education law, but when Education Secretary Rod Paige called the Association a "terrorist organization" because of its criticism, NEA members talked back—and got busy.

We're Baaack!

What results when a teacher follows her students up the elementary school ladder from first to fifth grade? A classroom that functions as a family—minus the sibling rivalries. Meet Melissa Fleischer and her fifth-grade class and learn about their experiment in looping.

Getting Organized

Where There's Power in Numbers. An Alabama local launches a successful membership drive and proves that big numbers and a spirit of solidarity can make a school district sit up and listen.

ESP

Para Quality: Not So Simple Anymore. The new federal education law may be confusing, but a California local and district are plowing through it—as a team—to make sure paraeducators get "highly qualified."

Spotlight

Mining for Excellence. If you want more National Board Certified Teachers in your district, you've got to support them. Find out how one Colorado local and school district helps teachers pay for, prepare for, and complete the Board Certification process.

Health & Fitness

Stay the Course: Be Fit for Life! The end of the NEA Fitness Challenge is near, but that doesn't mean it's time to throw in the towel. We've got tips, plans, and advice on how to stay fit and healthy in the future.

People

Conquering Fear Factor and Renaissance Tool Man. What would you do for $50,000? Science teacher Ryan Rettke tested the limits of endurance and nausea on TV. Custodian Dave Arnold eschews limits, serving as mentor, author, poet, artist, and friend to the students and faculty at his school.

Last Bell

Moving Mountains. One teacher brings a bagful of books to a place without hope.

Editor's Note

President's Viewpoint

UpFront

Trends, Facts, Innovators, Wisdom, Research, First 5, News, Quotes, Humor

State Report

Leading the Way

Rights Watch

Debate

Have science fair projects grown out of control?

Dilemma

What do you do when you need extra money for a classroom project?

Resources