After briefly outlining the purpose of the National Diffusion Network (NDN), this article describes five reading programs judged by NDN to be exemplary. Each description includes target audience, content, evidence of effectiveness, implementation requirements, costs, and contact address. Three are primary programs, two elementary, and four…

Cites five innovative projects in China studies operating in elementary and secondary schools. One of several articles on China studies in this journal issue. (SJL)

Presents a brief description of Adams County District 12's program to promote higher-level thinking skills in its elementary and secondary level gifted students. (SJL)

Back in 2000, Charles Best was teaching at Wings Academy, an alternative high school in the Bronx, when he got the idea for a Web site where teachers could solicit donations for class projects. With help from his students, DonorsChoose.org soon was born. Last year, the site won Amazon.com's Nonprofit Innovation Award. So far, DonorsChoose has…

Discusses similarities and differences in the use of puppets and computers as teaching tools in the classroom. Teachers' resistance to puppets is discussed, and four new puppet programs are described. (LRW)

Discusses the motivating factors, organization, training process, problems, and keys to success of a peer counseling program at an inner city Chicago high school. Student counselors are seniors recruited from psychology classes, who receive training, supervision, and support from the school social worker and psychology teachers. (MBR)