Describes an experimental six-week summer intensive course in basic writing in which the instructor assumes the identity of "Ms. Mystery" and exchanges weekly letters with each of the students. Provides excerpts as well as analysis of these letters and argues the efficacy of letter writing as a pedagogic tool. (KEH)

Finds sustained benefits to teachers two years after a summer hands-on science workshop for middle grades teachers. Discusses key elements responsible for the workshop's sustained success. (SR)

Describes a five-week summer program for elementary teachers designed to develop content knowledge in physics through immersion in the subject and cooperative learning. Teachers indicated they changed their science teaching orientation toward process and content and increased their awareness of the power of demonstrations and student-generated…

The Summer High School Art Workshop at the University of Iowa involves 20 students working together in studios, attending lectures, living and eating in a dormitory, and participating in social events. The participants' perceptions of early art experiences, subject matter interests, and environmental influences are reported from interviews. (JDD)

In 1971, Indiana University's alumni association joined the continuing education division to offer an annual week-long miniuniversity for alumni, families, and nonalumni. Over 100 on-campus classes showcasing the university's finest faculty have been offered for all age groups. Extracurricular social events and child care are also available. (MSE)

When Canadian institutions would not provide courses for the Canim Lake (British Columbia) Band of the Shuswap Indians, Gonzaga University (Washington), 500 miles away, began a program of classes held on the reservation, linkage with the main campus by computer, and an on-campus summer session that entire families attended. (MSE)

College faculty applying for the National Endowment for the Humanities' Summer Stipend Program for independent study and research are usually nominated by their institutions. Nomination procedures used by institutions that consistently nominate successful applicants are described, and the research administrator's role in the process is discussed.…

Two summer programs developed at Millersville University (Pennsylvania) are described: the Governor's School for Teaching, which seeks to attract outstanding high school students into teaching and acquaint them with instructional practices; and Improving Materials and Programs for the Academically and Creatively Talented (IMPACT), which promotes…

Examines three case studies of educators (teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals) who came together initially during a summer professional development experience. Through a two-week immersion, educators and facilitators engaged in challenging their assumptions and practice through the lens of constructivist pedagogy. The immersion evolved…

Discusses the effects of a three-week summer residential program on participating students' interest in science, decisions about college or university attendance, and choice of major. (Author/CCM)

Describes the Torrance Creative Scholars Program, a program at the University of Southwestern Louisiana designed to identify and nurture creative potential. The program offers two levels for students completing grades four through eight, and a summer program that provides instruction and practice in several creative strategies. (Author/CR)

Describes steps in the timeline for the Winona Area (Minnesota) Public School District's annual summer technology academy, with tips for success. The steps are presented according to how far in advance they should occur, from pre-planning six to eight months in advance to the first day of class. (AEF)

This article describes the establishment of Individual Development through Employment, Assessment, and Learning (IDEAL), a summer transition program for adolescents with blindness or visual impairments in Pennsylvania. The program emphasizes independence, work exploration, and social skills development. Data from participants, parents, and staff…

Chronicles how the author first used creative drama in a summer reading program with first graders, and then over the years developed a much broader understanding of how drama is an important teaching tool. Describes writing "scaffolded" plays with sixth-grade students. Discusses implications for language arts teachers. Describes her annual…

This article describes the 1997 Summer Gifted Program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a program designed to provide 102 gifted junior secondary schools students with enrichment courses and activities. The program's identification and selection procedures, organization of classes, curriculum, teacher selection and training, and evaluation…