This article looks at a strategy that integrates eighth-grade mathematics, science, history, and English through thematic study. Each of the themes used in the South Carolina Studies project focuses on a particular landform region within the state. (Contains 3 figures.)

Writing in physical education can enhance student performance in at least four ways: (1) writing to learn, which stimulates the gathering and organizing of ideas; (2) writing to motivate, which stimulates a sense of adventure, curiosity, and creativity; (3) writing to assess, which allows both teacher and student to evaluate progress; and (4)…

Nearly all Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states have a state-sponsored virtual school, and the remaining states are either planning or beginning initial implementation. Just 12 years ago, none of the 50 states used the Web to provide courses to middle grades or high school students. By 2000, several SREB states, including Florida,…

The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) is a nonprofit organization that works collaboratively with South Carolina and 15 other member states to improve education at every level--from pre-K to postdoctoral study--through many effective programs and initiatives. SREB's "Challenge to Lead" Goals for Education, which call for the…

"Heritage Keepers[R]" is an abstinence education program developed by Heritage Community Services of South Carolina and is among the 900-plus programs receiving federal funding under the Title V, Section 510 Abstinence Education Program. The "Heritage Keepers[R]" program provides a systemic approach to abstinence education…

In a South Carolina rural middle school with four school-based service programs, 30 seventh graders, their families, and teachers were surveyed. Students and parents felt the services increased school safety and reduced substance abuse and other problems. Teachers were especially positive about the violence prevention program. (SK)

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…

The intent of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 is to hold schools accountable for ensuring that all their students achieve mastery in reading and math, with a particular focus on groups that have traditionally been left behind. Under NCLB, states submit accountability plans to the U.S. Department of Education detailing the rules and…

The intent of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 is to hold schools accountable for ensuring that all their students achieve mastery in reading and math, with a particular focus on groups that have traditionally been left behind. Under NCLB, states have leeway to: (1) Craft their own academic standards, select their own tests, and define…

With the passage of the Early Child Development and Academic Act of 1993, 21 former Target 2000 Dropout Prevention and Retrieval pilot projects were reorganized as technical assistance sites. This publication is a compilation of descriptions of the programs at the technical assistance sites, areas in which technical assistance is available, and…

About 250 of the Beaufort County, South Carolina school district's 1,200 sixth graders at three middle schools have participated in the School-Book Laptop Project since 1996. Followup studies through seventh grade show that laptops enhanced academic gains among students who traditionally have not succeeded in school. Laptop users consistently…

The goal of this curriculum is to teach children and their parents to think about their daily habits and to make environmentally responsible choices. The lessons and activities are divided by grade levels: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-8. Lessons in each grade level are designed to cover a range of student skills, subject areas, and environmental issues.…

Discusses the Tadpoles Project at Schofield Middle School in Aiken, South Carolina. A basin was excavated to create a pond so that students could study various disciplines in a wetlands setting. Presents guidelines for obtaining support for such an effort. (NB)

This South Carolina edition of the National Council on Teacher Quality's (NCTQ's) 2009 "State Teacher Policy Yearbook" is the third annual look at state policies impacting the teaching profession. It is hoped that this report will help focus attention on areas where state policymakers can make changes that will have a positive impact on…

Describes the formative evaluation of computer-based multimedia programs on CD-ROM that were developed in South Carolina to encourage middle school students to explore various environmental careers. Three main areas of evaluation are discussed: (1) user evaluation; (2) functional evaluation; and (3) content evaluation. The role of students and…