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The article reports on the introduction of House Bill 597 which promotes the repeal of Ohio's New Learning Standards. Topics mentioned include comments from U.S. Representative Andy Thompson on eliminating the one-size-fits-all, top-down-approach in learning used in Ohio as the goal of the legislation, recommendations to adopt new academic content standards by June 13, 2017, and criticisms from several teachers regarding the negative impact of the bill on the state's education system.

The author discusses the use of media in teaching. She mentions some of the television programs that her students are watching, including "Grey's Anatomy," "The Hills" and "American Idol." She suggests that teachers should feel confident in motivating students through the use of video. She cites the efforts of the Media Education Foundation in producing and distributing documentary films and other educational resources to inspire critical reflection on the social, political and cultural impact of American mass media. The author recommends the program "Big Bucks, Big Pharma: Marketing Disease and Pushing Drugs" to students.

The article discusses the author's experience of surviving her first year as a teacher. Her first day started with English classes in one of the high schools, and it ended with a drive to another building to teach speech and drama. She struggled with the task of teaching Romeo and Juliet to ninth graders while preparing Julius Caesar for tenth graders. She had a wonderful mentor who helped hone her knowledge and skills and gave her more time to concentrate on instructional strategies.

The article reviews the web site of the Web English Teacher available at www.webenglishteacher.com.