As secondary school leaders consider a shift toward standards-based grading (SBG) practices, they are no doubt weighing the odds of a successful implementation process. This research followed up on a study from 2014 to identify the challenges secondary school leaders experience when changing the currency of the classroom from points to learning.…

In April 1996, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed into law the School Improvement and Technology Program, providing $150 million over five years to help districts update and upgrade technology and train faculty to use it. The Iowa Communication Network was developed to strengthen small districts while protecting their long-standing community…

Offers suggestions for gifted education programs in rural school districts, based on practices used in some eastern Iowa districts. Discusses such considerations as program planning, program implementation, program staffing, expanding or supplementing the regular curriculum for gifted students, and facilitating interaction among participating…

Shows how a mastery teaching program was applied to one Iowa school district to improve and evaluate teacher performance. Emphasizes the principal's role in such a program. (JW)