Reconstituting Jefferson
By Linda Christensen
Reconstituting schools -- bring in a new reform program and forcing teacher to reapply for their jobs or leave -- is a nationwide trend, an example of "get tough" policies. At this teacher's school it was mean-spirited and shallow, and did nothing to address the school's real problems.

Reconstitution Trend Cools
By Linda Christensen
A national perspective on the reconstitution controversy.

What Happened to the Merger?
By Ann Bastian
A look at the NEA-AFT merger proposed this summer, why it didn't happen, and where we go from here.

New Battlegrounds: Charter Schools, Voucher Schools, and Special Education
By Christine Stoneman
How voucher schools, and some charter schools, are trying to circumvent special education regulations.

Staying Past Wednesday
By Kate Lyman
A second-grade teacher explores the seldom-touched issues of grief and loss with her students.

There's a lot more inside this issue.