The author has always loved libraries. She has has always loved books and the experience of learning. Her idea of the best kind of library has changed over the years. Encouraging reading is just a part of what the 21st-century school library does. As a fledgling school librarian just starting to learn how to fly, the author wanted to create a nest…

Sex education is not only a necessary component of public school curriculum, but it is also an important opportunity for students with and without disabilities to learn about their own development as emerging adults. Although comprehensive sex education is not federally mandated, many states and districts choose to offer some form of sex education…

With the advent of open source virtual environments, the associated cost reductions, and the more flexible options, avatar-based virtual reality environments are within reach of educators. By using and repurposing readily available virtual environments, instructors can bring engaging, community-building, and immersive learning opportunities to…

This report illustrates how four high-performing systems--British Columbia (Canada), Hong Kong, Shanghai (China) and Singapore--developed their teacher professional learning. The report and accompanying materials are designed as a resource for teachers, school leaders and policymakers wanting to improve teacher professional learning in their…

In order to help teachers understand the importance of intentional design for inclusive education, this article describes the design process an engineer might use when designing a new project. If teachers learn to think like engineers, it is possible for them to design inclusive education. This conceptual design can then be combined with…

To ensure the best possible outcomes for young children with and without disabilities, early childhood educators must enter the classroom ready to conduct all types of early childhood assessment--including determining if children need additional services, planning and monitoring instruction, and determining program effectiveness. They'll get the…

While fiscal resources continue to dwindle, the mandates of NCLB have placed restraints on those who can be hired and schools are expected to continue to do more to meet the intellectual, social and emotional needs of students, what can be done to realistically help meet the increasing demands? Developing and maintaining partnerships with a…

Computer-Assisted Foreign Language Teaching and Learning: Technological Advances highlights new research and an original framework that brings together foreign language teaching, experiments and testing practices that utilize the most recent and widely used e-learning resources. This comprehensive collection of research will offer linguistic…

This handbook has been developed through an interdisciplinary approach so that it can be used for any cooperative education program that might be proposed or in existence in the State of Idaho. The handbook was written to serve as a guide for those schools and districts that are considering using such a plan. The handbook, a program management…

This module provides information about the benefits of entering into a cooperative agreement with another agency. Also provided is information about developing successful agreements. The guide includes a list of definitions and uses a question-and-answer format to discuss the rationale for interagency cooperation, the best approach to…

The growth and development, professional development, and recognition of this cooperative program are described. Highlighted is the program in the department of chemistry. Programs in other science departments are also discussed. (CW)

Steps for developing an effective school-business relationship include: meeting with the school principal; determining what kind of support is wanted; appointing a volunteer coordinator; understanding business operations; and setting up an evaluation process. Ideas for school-business partnerships include sponsoring an awards program, work…

This document has been prepared to assist program administrators and practitioners in planning and implementing cooperative (co-op) programs in high technology occupational areas. Information focuses on the key elements, strategies, and procedures of successful co-op programs. The guide contains nine chapters and is based on a review of the…

Since Engineering Criteria 2000 (EC 2000) was first introduced as the standard for American engineering education programs, most discussion in the literature has focused on how to assess Outcomes 3a-3k (specific outcomes or abilities engineering students must acquire as defined by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) and…

This handbook assists vocational education personnel in planning, organizing, and implementing cooperative education activities. The handbook provides a basis for teachers, supervisors, and administrators in making decisions and standardizing cooperative education activities throughout Kentucky. The handbook's 11 sections are as follows: (1)…