Technology motivates students to learn in new ways
State: Tennessee
Topic areas: Educational technology, professional development, at-risk students, online classes
Whether it's helping a student meet a special challenge or helping students learn English, this school district's use of technology helps all students learn.
Posted: September 18, 2007
The Pre-k advantage: Setting the stage for student success
State: Missouri
Topics: pre-k, reading, reading strategies, student success
Access to a strong pre-k program, with its direct innovative approach to literacy development, fosters a love of learning and academic success for students in this small rural, high poverty, school district.
Posted: June 25, 2007
Community Connects with Kodiak High School
State: Alaska
Topics: Involving communities, achievement gap, student success, partnerships
Kodiak, Alaska makes a concerted community effort to drive student success. Local partnerships, community volunteerism, and good old fashioned planning go a long way toward enriching students' educational experience.
Posted: February 22, 2007
Granger high school grapples with the basics—and wins
State: Washington
Topics: Student achievement, extra supports, low income, English language learners
This once failing high school now offers a bright future for its students thanks to Principal Richard Esparza's no nonsense approach to teaching these economically disadvantaged youth, many who arrive well below grade level in all subject areas.
Posted: January 8, 2007
One small school making big dreams come true in Wyoming
State: Wyoming
Topics: Online learning, Native American studies, dropout prevention
Ft. Washakie Charter High School is the only public online high school in the state of Wyoming. See how this innovative school addresses the needs of each student and turns the dream of high school graduation into a reality.
Posted: August 18, 2006
A culture of collaboration spurs academic growth in low-income California community
State: California
Topics: High-performing, high-poverty schools; English-language learners
Educators in Livingston Union School District in California thought they were doing a pretty good job teaching their students, predominantly English language learners from low-income homes--until they saw their first state test scores from 1999. After the initial shock, district officials set about changing their schools' culture and since then have traveled a path that brought them from dismal performance to distinguished growth.
Posted: July 9, 2006
From battle ground to common ground
State: Washington
Topics: school change, communication
What do you do when your district is in a shambles and communication has completely shut down? Battle Ground's story demonstrates how to completely turn a disfunctional district around to one that uses effective communication, is respectful, and where student success reigns supreme.
Posted: May 3, 2006
Reinventing education Alaska-style
State: Alaska
Topics: student engagement, staff development, academic achievement
How do you change the entire education system of a vast district, one covering 22,000 square miles? The Chugach School District shows us how.
Posted: April 3, 2006
Smaller classes benefit Burke County (NC) students
State: North Carolina
Topics: class size
Burke County Schools used funding from various sources, including Title I, to reduce class size in the early grades. The result has been increased test scores in 3rd-8th grade and positive feedback from teachers, administrators, parents, and students. The district is now considering using Title I funds to reduce class size in 4th and 5th grade.
Posted: March 31, 2006
Kitchen table conversations in Caroline County, Md.
State: Maryland
Topics: community involvement
Rural Maryland community gathers around the table to discuss, support schools.
Posted: Oct. 24, 2005
Fostering a love of books in Gates County (N.C.) schools
State: North Carolina
Topics: summer programs; reading
The Gates County School Board in Gatesville, N.C., wanted elementary school students to read during the summer break. The goal took shape as "Miss Sandra's Super Story Time," a summer program that made reading exciting.
Posted: Dec. 17, 2004
