As a new school year begins, it's important to set up routines that facilitate a happy, productive classroom. In my experience, Community Circle and Class Meetings have been a key way to smooth over any tensions in our group and encourage positive expression.

My students always grow to love Community Circle so much that they remind me to do it if I forget or run out of time. And after each meeting, we all head back to our desks with smiles on our faces. The process clears the air and reminds us of the good things going on around us.

Give it a try and see how it can work for you.

In David Brooks's recent New York Times opinion column, he points to America's lack of educational progress as the leading factor threatening our long-term societal and economic growth.

Specifically, the nation's collective productivity has declined as educational attainment has plummeted; this has simultaneously stretched the gap between the country's rich and poor.

As a teacher, it's hard to disagree. We instinctively know that education serves as the foundation for being a good citizen and a positively contributing member of society. This belief is why we became teachers in the first place.

What do you believe? Is there an issue more fundamentally problematic in America at this time?