A networked improvement community can be a tremendous resource for people who share a common interest and desire to learn from each other, and, thanks to technology, this can occur even when participants are separated by a large distance. This article discusses Virginia Advanced Study Strategies' Rural Math Innovation Network, a four-year project…

Catastrophes can occur at any place and for any reason. Within the past years an extraordinarily high number of catastrophic events have happened to public schools. From a high number of tornados to excessive flooding and unseasonable weather, the country has experienced a considerable number of very difficult environmental disasters that have…

The purpose of this study was to describe how and why novice mathematics teachers incorporated technology-generated representations in their instruction. The participants in the study were graduates of a technology-rich mathematics teacher educator program. The teachers were interviewed at the beginning and end of the study concerning their…

The U.S. Department of Education recently released a "College Completion Tool Kit" intended to support the higher education attainment goals set by the Obama administration. These goals are consistent with the state's Strategic Master Plan for Higher Education. The tool kit lays out strategies for achieving higher levels of attainment…

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role state departments of education, a professional organization and a leading internet organization play in providing recommendations and guidelines in the construction of new high school libraries. Four state agencies were identified and specific square footage formulas noted as well as information…

Teachers in the United States are utilizing technology in their classrooms on a daily basis. However, some schools struggle to implement effective technology usage opportunities for staff. In a 21st century world that is laden with technology, teachers should instruct students using updated technology. In two rural Virginia high schools in eastern…

As Internet technology encroached on the public school classroom about a decade ago, Kim Ross, superintendent of the Houston School District in Houston, Minnesota, saw an opportunity. At first, he and his administrative team simply wanted to offer students in the district of 1,300 access to more classes via the web than what a district that size…

The goal of Project VAST (Virginia's Approach to Services for Transitioning) is to develop, implement, and evaluate a model at both state and local levels which ensures that students with disabilities who move through Virginia's public school programs and into the community will receive transitional services focusing on career preparation,…

The Virginia Department of Education is developing a plan that would require all students to complete a common core of learning with outcomes based on seven dimensions of living. Students successfully completing a statewide assessment of critical knowledge and skills by the end of 10th grade would continue their education by choosing one of three…

This minicourse has been designed for counselors to use with "About High School, Book 4" of the Educational Opportunities in Virginia publications. It consists of a sequential series of six 45-minute classroom guidance sessions to be conducted with seventh grade students. The course focuses on helping students, with parent involvement,…

Some features that were suggested by vocational agriculture teachers to be included in creating a "dream come true" agriculture department. (HD)

This directory, which updates and expands a 1989 version, provides information to guide students with disabilities, their parents, and school personnel in planning for postsecondary higher education opportunities. The guide is divided into seven sections to assist in planning and choosing the right college. A year-by-year plan stresses the need to…

This booklet provides information about high school in Virginia for students and their parents. Chapter 1, "Entering High School," offers descriptions of course options in all the subject areas of both academic and vocational education, along with advice on studying and on solving problems having to do with coursework. Chapter 3…

The purpose of this practicum was to develop and implement an articulation model between a senior high school and a feeder intermediate school based on problems identified in a needs assessment. Treatments in the form of objectives were applied to the various problems uncovered and became the basis for the model. Subsequent evaluation indicated…

The educational reform movement has caused parents, students, businesspersons, and legislators to question the relevance of vocational education. Charges that vocational education has become obsolete have compelled vocational educators to work on improving its image in three areas--function, quality, and style. The vocational education programs in…