Bugs on the lunch tray. Books from the '50s. Falling bricks in phys ed. Or no phys ed? Check out these facts, actions, videos, toolkits and more to arm yourself with what education is supposed to give us in the first place-a need for a good therapist. Knowledge! We mean knowledge. Yeah, that.

SAFETY & VIOLENCE

Metal detectors suck, but with 28% of kids bullied and 17% carrying weapons to school, it's no wonder the metal monster greets you rain or shine.

TEACHING & LEARNING

Get info on today's teachers and learning. Students retain 70% of a 10-minute lecture-so you've got 10 minutes. Ready...GO.

BUILDING & BUSES

27% of CA teachers report infestations of mice, roaches, or rats in their buildings. Wanna share your seat with a friend?

COMPUTERS & BOOKS

Ever write a research paper using books published before the Cold War? Retro computers jam up every time you log on? We deserve better.

CLUBS & AFTER SCHOOL

On average, teens watch 15,000 hours of TV a year. As appealing as a marathon of "Pimp My Ride" is, joining an after-school program might be a little more entertaining.

COLLEGE & CAREER

The impending doom of "real life" is just around the corner. What ya gonna do? Grab a checklist and more info on Life Beyond the Schoolyard here.

MONEY

Everything you've ever wanted to know about school finance but were too lazy to look up-plus some fun with money spending, learning rewards...and prison?

OTHER ISSUES

Disturbing facts about school nutrition, teen obesity, depression, suicide, and other downers-with a big dose of take-action java on the side to perk things up.