This paper describes the Beginning Educator Support and Training (BEST) program in Connecticut. In 1999, Connecticut became the first state in the United States to implement mandatory portfolio assessment as a component of its teacher certification program. The BEST program itself has been part of the state's educational reform initiatives for…

This report describes the progress of a school improvement initiative in New York City's vocational high schools. The New York City Board of Education contracted with Civic Strategies, a non-profit firm, to implement a vocational school improvement effort for 2 years. Civic Strategies' three-step model of school improvement involved: completion of…

This paper describes activities that school counselors can use in their work with adolescents. The suggested activities and resources are divided into three general groups according to purpose: Group 1, fun; Group 2, useful; and Group 3, professional. Group 1 presents ideas for counselors on engaging in enjoyable group sessions. Suggestions…

Quality of education is a determining factor in a nation's competitiveness. Although Mexico has made tremendous progress toward achieving universal basic education, school quality has not kept pace with enrollment increases, especially in rural areas. Innovations at the federal and state levels to raise the quality of basic education in Mexico…

The role of professional and local-personal networks as a source of knowledge development in the new knowledge-based economy was examined in a 15-month study that focuses on people working in the multimedia industry in Montreal, Quebec. The study focused on the modes of exchange and learning, collaborative work, and management and development of…

This 24th volume of "English Leadership Quarterly" contains articles on topics of interest to those in positions of leadership in departments (elementary, secondary, or college) where English is taught. Each issue focuses on a different theme. Articles in Volume 24 Number 1 focus on matters of thinking and are: "A New Way of…

This paper describes the evolution of a Professional Development School (PDS) governance model that began with a one-school partnership and moved to a multiple site partnership network. The governance model is based on a union formed between a private university and a local school district. It emphasizes shared decision making and collaborative…

This book documents six exemplary teacher preparation programs participating in school-university partnerships, examining issues of standards in teacher education. It describes how attention to standards has played out in contrasting demographic, political, and intellectual contexts. Ten chapters are: (1) "Teacher Education on the Leading Edge:…

Intermediate organizations are non-profit structures active in the area of integration through economic activity aimed at reintegrating those with severe social and occupational problems into the labor market in France. With the employment crises of the past 2 decades, these organizations have been confronted by an ever-increasing demand and an…

This book examines issues related to problems in workforce education for Latinos and Latinas in the United States. Chapter 1, "The Landscape of Latinos, Education, and Work," presents an introduction and background information. Chapter 2, "The Politics of Workforce Education," discusses current legislation that has negatively…

This professional development packet consists of two sessions, each requiring 6 hours. Session one is designed to teach participants to do the following: identify at least three unique characteristics of workplace English as a Second Language (ESL); describe the steps involved in developing a workplace ESL program; identify the basic steps of…

This paper examines a portion of the findings from the Ohio Higher Education Partnership Project (OHEPP), a federally funded project designed to develop a model for promoting greater levels of participation within institutions of higher education by parents of children with disabilities. From 1997 to 2001, OHEPP recruited, trained and supported…

This curriculum was developed by the Ohio Higher Education Partnership Project (OHEPP) as a training tool to promote greater levels of participation in personnel preparation by parents of children with disabilities. OHEPP has the following three objectives: (1) develop and support parent-faculty "teams" throughout the state; (2) provide…

This biography examines the life of Leta Stetter Hollingworth who was born in rural Nebraska in 1886, rose above an abusive childhood and strong prejudice to become an influential psychologist, feminist, educator, author, and advocate for gifted children. Individual chapters have the following titles: (1) "A Child Called 'E'"; (2)…

This document contains five issues of "NewsWire," a newsletter created for the SouthEast and Islands Regional Technology in Education Consortium (SEIR-TEC). Topics addressed in these issues include: leadership and educational technology; technology program development; resources for teaching and learning with technology; U.S. Department…