England's 1.6 billion-pound National Grid for Learning initiative represents an unprecedented government commitment to educational use of information and communications technology (ICT). NGfL will integrate ICT into all schooling areas via increased funding, teacher training, and simulation of a systemwide "ICT culture." Implications and…

Weary of fighting with other districts for the best teachers, Fairfax (Virginia) County Schools adopted a more cooperative approach. The district is pursuing professional-development school agreements with four area universities. Similar recruitment partnerships are under way in Cleveland, Ohio; Tolleson, Arizona; and Olathe, Kansas. (MLH)

A Sacramento County district successfully combines rigorous standards with civic values and service learning, requires both algebra and geometry, and helps students pass the high school exit exam. The community has been involved in raising standards and developing accelerated learning programs at all 29 elementary schools. (MLH)

Documents the process of exploring the Reggio Emilia approach in Head Start classrooms in Iowa. Describes areas of exploration, including revising the classroom environments and daily schedules, using more documentation, instituting child-initiated projects, and collaborating on a deeper level with colleagues. Includes excerpts from children's…

The SIP (Standards in Practice) instructional improvement program was successfully implemented in three El Paso school districts. Student scores have soared. Teacher development must be ongoing, site-based, and targeted to all students' specific needs. Teachers need strong verbal and math skills, deep content knowledge, and teaching skill. (MLH)

For 5 years, the New York Partnership for Statewide Systems Change has cooperated with 14 public high schools planning inclusive programs. The program involves one general-education structure with supportive services, appropriate scheduling and grouping practices, adult collaboration and professional development, and revised assessment/grading…

Describes Learning Support Services at the University of Houston, which developed and conducted a training program on academic success counseling. Practicum trainees counseled students, about one-half of whom were at-risk students (under 2.0 GPA), in a learning center effort to improve retention and graduation rates at the university. The…

At a southwestern Chicago high school, an institute sponsored by the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation has boosted student achievement by linking honors-level academics and technical training to a guaranteed job. The construction equipment industry's willingness to invest time, equipment, know-how, and funds is key to program success.…

Describes an intergenerational care program that emphasizes "intentional intergenerational interaction" as key to planning. Details a window-divided facility design that enables a variety of elderly and young people's interactions. Illustrates mutually beneficial joint activities ranging from one-on-one (holding a baby) to group events…

There is increasing evidence that the application of knowledge in developing countries is failing. One reason is the woeful shortage of health workers, but as this is redressed, it is also crucial that we have an evidence base of what works to minimize the "know-do gap." The World Health Organization and other international organizations are…

We present the design principles for a new kind of computer system that helps students learn algebra. The fundamental idea is to have a system based on the microworld paradigm that allows students to make their own calculations, as they do with paper and pencil, without being obliged to use commands, and to verify the correctness of these…

This study describes and analyzes the pedagogical activities of two professional development models aimed at helping teachers effectively integrate technology in their classrooms. Most importantly, it investigates the impact of those activities on teacher learning and practice. Results of the study provide empirical evidence that links key…

This article describes a case study of an international collaboration between two classes of fifth grade students through an online discussion platform with one group more experienced in online knowledge building activities than the other. Before the collaboration, the novice class tended to produce isolated notes filled with information and…

This paper describes an innovative preservice teacher education program called MOVEMOS. In Spanish, "movemos" means "we move." As the title of our program, MOVEMOS stands for MOVing Elementary Methods On-Site. Project MOVEMOS represents two semesters of course work prior to a final semester of student teaching. MOVEMOS is housed at an urban…

The rate of adoption of mobile technologies in Africa's developing countries is amongst the highest in the world and by 2005 there may be almost 100 billion mobile users in Africa (Keegan, 2002; Brown, 2005). This is just one of the reasons why servicing distance students in this country through m-learning support tools should enjoy…