This paper has two goals: First, to detail processes through which a project funded under a National Science Foundation workforce development program (Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers, ITEST) leveraged active partnerships among government agencies, industry firms, and universities to develop and study an innovative,…

In "The Critical Advantage," noted scholar and early childhood expert William T. Gormley, Jr. takes a wide ranging look at the important role of critical thinking in preparing students for college, careers, and civic life. Drawing on research from psychology, philosophy, business, political science, neuroscience, and other disciplines,…

In their plans to carry out the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), states universally recognize what New Leaders has long known: "leadership changes everything." In fact, every single state has committed to directing some portion of its federal funding into investments in leadership--from teacher leaders to principals and…

Higher education is deploying a range of innovative strategies in response to rising costs and financial challenges. This report presents findings from a NASPA [National Association of Student Personnel Administrators] study on cost-saving initiatives at three institutions. Each institution aimed to creatively address different areas affecting…

Given the changing landscape of higher education, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) established the Task Force on the Future of Higher Education in March 2017 to conduct a systematic review of higher education; examine existing initiatives and best practices; and report findings and recommendations on strategies that best…

We live in a global society with demands to respond to global needs. Many higher educational institutions are attempting to integrate international components in their curricula. However, in this endeavor, some institutions are more successful than others. This paper presentation will explain how global mindsets can be cultivated through…

Many states are experimenting with mechanisms for making college more affordable while maintaining quality and access. This report examines promising or innovative state programs to improve college affordability and credential attainment. Many of these approaches show innovative thinking and bear watching to see if they result in meaningful…

This study examines the inputs (processes and strategies) and outputs (perceptions, skill development, classroom transfer, disciplinary integration, social networking, and community development) of a yearlong, interdisciplinary teacher learning and development experience. Eleven secondary math and science teachers partnered with an…

Although educators have been turning to motion pictures and television as devices for supplementing instruction, there has been a sparsity of instruction about the elements of film or how to understand the medium. An innovative program designed to meet this need was introduced at St. Gregory's College. The course dealt with the history and the…

The purpose of this publication is to foster increased interest about innovations in the public schools in Oklahoma and to review some of the most interesting and meaningful innovations in the classroom and significant innovations in the teaching and learning process. Each of the 59 articles includes an introductory section that briefly explains…

The Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) is a bold effort to create a network of charter schools designed to transform and improve the educational opportunities available to low/income families. KIPP schools seek to actively engage students and parents in the educational process, expand the time and effort students devote to their studies, reinforce…

A study examined the nontraditional adult vocational education practices and programs in Oklahoma that were designed to overcome one or more of the barriers to adult enrollment and increase the number of adult participants in vocational education. Following a mail survey to all adult vocational education institutions in Oklahoma, researchers…

This document gives an overview of the "Calling the Roll" program, a two-state study-circle program. Study circles employ a public-engagement model that fosters dialogue among diverse individuals and groups. This report explores how participation in study circles affects the education policymaking process, and it examines the process of…

Oklahoma teachers attending workshops in the summers of 1965 and 1966 were not equally successful in initiating high school off-farm agricultural occupations programs even though the necessary competencies were attained. To determine relationships between teacher innovativeness and innovation diffusion, and to isolate variables associated with…

The article describes Oklahoma's new delivery system for teacher education--closed circuit televised classroom instruction for trade and industrial education teachers located throughout the State. (MW)