This report describes the approach that REL Northeast and Islands (REL-NEI) used to guide its eight research alliances toward collaboratively identifying a shared research agenda. A key feature of their approach was a two-workshop series, during which alliance members created a set of research questions on a shared topic of education policy and/or…

Web-based instruction is not a new phenomenon. There are 15-20 years of research and literature to support the effectiveness of web-based instruction. The purpose of this article is to synthesize the research in this field in order to determine which factors are critical to the success of web-based instruction. We created a toolkit to assist…

A series of activities were undertaken to understand the underrepresentation of people with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers and increase their participation in these fields. "AccessSTEM" collaborated with key stakeholders to conduct a "Capacity-Building Institute"…

Since its creation in 1991, the National Institute for Literacy has provided national leadership on adult literacy. In 1998, with the addition of funds for dissemination of scientifically-based reading research, the Institute has been a catalyst for improving opportunities for adults, youth, and children to thrive in a progressively literate…

A program for a family support group for grandparents and extended family of children with developmental delays is described. The program provides a unique opportunity for members to discuss adjustment reactions, develop supportive roles, and strengthen the entire family constellation. (Author/DB)

This paper describes the development of a teachers' book club as a form of professional development, based on the premise that teachers are leaders and can be responsible for their own professional development, if given a framework and opportunity to do so. Data sources included a survey and interviews with club members. Analysis of the success of…

Small groups of gifted high school students meet weekly during lunch periods to have topical discussions, with the goals of developing self-awareness and affirming capability. As the school year progresses, the group discussions become less structured, with more free-wheeling exchange. Topics include learning styles, stress, suicide, and college…

Describes a public library outreach program for institutionalized senior citizens, including the rationale, local environment, management of the program, and individual literacy discussion sessions. The many positive results both to the participants and to the library are described. An annotated list of materials tested in several group situations…

Maintains that psychologists have made considerable efforts to improve their teaching. Describes an interdisciplinary group that meets to discuss issues related to instructional improvement. Outlines the group meeting format, discussion topics, and benefits of participation. (CFR)

Describes Freshmen Awareness Groups, discussion groups designed to unite students, teachers and counselors in sharing ideas and feelings and becoming more aware of themselves and each other. Activities and goals for the five weekly sessions are outlined. (JAC)

In June 1989, a study group was organized at Nassau Community College to encourage faculty to introduce the works of William Shakespeare in introductory literature courses. When the prospect of teaching Shakespeare to community college students was first considered, faculty expressed concern that their understanding of the issues surrounding…

The Danes and the Swedes have perfected a form of true community education--the study circle. Sparked by social and political issues, these discussion groups have become an integral part of the democratic process in these countries. The history, theory, and possibilities for American use are outlined. (Author/MLW)

This study aimed to catalog the nature of written message exchanges on a network computer bulletin board, HSJOURN, which caters mainly to high school journalism teachers and publications advisers. The study analyzed the content of messages between December 1993 and January 1995 and cataloged them in the following categories: announcements;…

Describes three literacy organization and public library programs: Project LEARN (Cleveland, Ohio), which encourages higher-level beginning adult readers to want to read on their own; Greenville County (South Carolina) Library's Latchkey Kids Program; and policies on unattended and disruptive children developed by Iowa City and Cedar Rapids (Iowa)…

This paper describes an academic assistance program designed to help ethnic minority students adjust to the demands of university life and succeed both academically and personally. The Excel program has three major components: a two-semester, two-credit core seminar; weekly instructional support groups; and peer led tutorial/discussion groups. The…