Each year, Austin Independent School District Department of Research and Evaluation (DRE) staff develop a plan of work to describe the scope of work for the coming year. The plans that make up this document identify programs to be evaluated and services to be provided by DRE staff and provide the blueprints for evaluation that staff will follow…

This past year has been unlike any in recent history. In March, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced Illinois to shift suddenly to remote learning for all students. This adjustment exposed the digital divide as a stark reality. One bright spot in the year occurred in May, when the Illinois' plan for career and technical education (CTE) received…

Young people are entering college at increasingly higher rates, yet many are under-prepared for the academic challenges they encounter. Educators and policy makers are calling for increased educational opportunities that prepare all students for the rigors of postsecondary education. Accelerated learning opportunities foster smoother and more…

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about…

The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2008. Following almost four decades of rapid growth the IBO embarked on a strategic planning exercise in 2004. One outcome is that the IBO seeks to widen access to its Diploma Programme (IBDP), and one avenue being followed is online provision. There have been…

This special issue presents the "Education Week's" annual report on education technology, "Technology Counts." This special issue includes the following articles: (1) Breaking Away from Tradition (Michelle R. Davis); (2) Research Shows Evolving Picture of E-Education (Debra Viadero); (3) Advanced Placement Secures Online Niche (Michelle R. Davis);…

As Internet technology encroached on the public school classroom about a decade ago, Kim Ross, superintendent of the Houston School District in Houston, Minnesota, saw an opportunity. At first, he and his administrative team simply wanted to offer students in the district of 1,300 access to more classes via the web than what a district that size…

In Virginia, distance learning means the "Electronic Classroom," which is a distance education program of two-way audio and one-way video broadcast transmission of instruction from Varina High School (since September 1984) and Wise Vocational-Technical School (since September 1987). Each distance learning receive classroom is equipped…

The Northern Tier Distance Learning Consortium links six high schools and three colleges in northeastern Pennsylvania. Indiana students participated in an interactive distance-learning program that focused on underwater exploration. (MLF)

Six rural Pennsylvania school districts and three colleges have installed standardized distance-learning classrooms and are now collaborating seamlessly as information providers and receivers. Misericordia College offers an advanced-placement college-level credit program and professional development seminars for teachers in the participating…

Presents five examples of the use of satellite technology in distance learning, including providing previously unavailable classes, interacting with teachers, and transmitting tests and returning graded work; partnerships between schools and community-based organizations; middle school and high school interaction; advanced placement classes; and…

Online education may help address the challenges of growing student enrollment, overcrowded schools, outdated buildings, teacher shortages, scheduling conflicts, limited educational opportunities (especially advanced-placement classes), and other equity concerns. Snapshots of virtual high schools in Florida, Kentucky, and West Virginia are…