High-quality career and technical education (CTE) and work-based learning opportunities can support students along a pathway to credential attainment, employment and upward economic mobility through intentional skill development and experiential learning. CTE concentration in high school can increase graduation rates while helping students build…

The Internet is a high-speed communication link incorporating computers, networks and users throughout the world via TCPLP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) which allows dissimilar systems to interoperate (Krol,1992). This article presents how Iowa students participating in the international Internet experience learned how to…

Public school teaching is a profession in transition. Already the largest occupation in the United States, it is expanding faster than the nation's student population. Teachers of color are entering the profession at twice the rate of white teachers, reversing an exodus after civil rights victories opened many other doors to African Americans. And…

This brief presents a review of research and current state practices as they relate to measures that Iowa might consider for its federal accountability indicator of school quality or student success--specifically, for inclusion within a composite index of postsecondary readiness. Section 1 of this brief introduces a framework for evaluating and…

The responsibility for college success has historically rested with the student, but since the 1980s, educators have taken increasing ownership of this, designing structures that increase the likelihood of learning, success, and retention. These efforts have included a variety of initiatives--first year seminars, learning communities,…

Teachers want to capitalize on their students' desire to to be virtually connected outside of the classroom and part of a participatory dialog shared with others interested in art and teaching. Blogging offers a way for students to connect with each other and maintain that connection across the miles of cornfields, wind-swept prairies, country…

This article describes the use of self-study as a frame for professional learning that grew out of a professional development program for teachers examining their practice in a dual-language K-4 school. Located in the center of the rural state of Iowa, the school's development of a bilingual program for native speakers of both English and Spanish…

In this issue brief, the authors explore how former foster youth in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa are faring in the labor market and what explains the variability in employment outcomes for these youth. First, they describe trends in former foster youths' employment from age 17 to 24. Then, they consider how former foster youths' characteristics…

Based on a conceptual framework explaining the characteristics and learned traits gained from student teaching abroad, this study sought to identify common perceptions from hiring school administrators in the state of Iowa. A common question asked by teacher candidates is "Does my experience abroad help me acquire a teaching position?"…

The knowledge, skills, and practices of early childhood care providers and teachers are critical factors in their delivery of high-quality developmental and educational experiences to young children. However, studies have found that the majority of professionals that make up the current early childhood workforce are not adequately prepared. Recent…

A learning community is a relatively old phenomenon that has resurfaced; it is making educators at institutions of higher education stand up and take notice. Grounded in collaborative and cooperative learning theories, learning communities have created environments in which student learning is the center of attention. The social construction of…

The Iowa-UPSTEP program appears to be a highly successful teacher education program. Current students feel relatively positive about their experiences and post graduates seem to be highly competent teachers. The program is a four-year, clinically-oriented science teacher preparation program providing undergraduates with early opportunities to deal…

For five years running, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) has tracked states' teacher policies, preparing a detailed and thorough compendium of teacher policy in the United States on topics related to teacher preparation, licensure, evaluation, career advancement, tenure, compensation, pensions and dismissal. The 2011 State Teacher…

This descriptive study investigated the benefits and costs of using electronic portfolios (EPs) in preservice teacher education by examining the voices of students in six programs thought to be mature in their implementation. Benefits included opportunities to reflect, better access to and organization of professional documents, increased…

This final report and implementation manual describes the activities and outcomes of Iowa's High School High Tech (HSHT) program, a joint effort of Grant Wood Area Education Agency and Goodwill Industries of Southeast Iowa to inspire students with disabilities to pursue high tech careers. The program provides opportunities for students to learn…