Quality teachers are the single greatest determinant of student achievement. Teacher education, ability, and experience account for more variation in student achievement than all other factors. Studies have found that 40 to 90 percent of the difference in student test scores can be attributed to teacher quality. Knowing the subject matter,…

This paper provides an overview of U.S. Department of Education programs authorized and funded under federal law. It includes information as well on the laboratories, centers, and other facilities funded by the Department that provide important resources for education. Readers will find funding information, contact information, and a web site for…

This paper provides an overview of U.S. Department of Education programs authorized and funded under federal law. It includes information as well on the laboratories, centers, and other facilities funded by the Department that provide important resources for education. Each entry, which gives a brief overview of a program or resource, is listed…

Various topics are discussed in this issue of "The Achiever", the U.S. Department of Education's biweekly bulletin for parents and community leaders on "No Child Left Behind," the historic, bipartisan education reform law signed by President Bush in January 2002. This issue includes the following articles: Black Alliance Recieves Funds for Parent…

Examines ways principals can make more effective use of their central place in the professionalizing of teaching. Suggests that principals ought to create environments that enable teachers to discover their own skills and talents. Principals' support groups and centers can be helpful in facilitating this process. (DR)

Fulfilling a need for careful and thorough synthesis of an extensive body of findings on reading, this report presents leading experts' interpretations of both current knowledge of reading and the state of the art and practice of teaching reading. The introduction contains two claims: (1) the knowledge is now available to make worthwhile…

Focuses chiefly on compensation as a means of improving the quality and increasing the supply of public school teachers. Recommends variety and flexibility in the forms of compensation as means of recruiting new, high-quality teachers and retaining existing teachers. (DR)

This publication provides an overview of U.S. Department of Education programs authorized and funded under federal law for fiscal year 2008. This reference guide also includes information on the laboratories, centers, and other facilities funded by the Department that provide important resources for education. Readers will find funding…