Development and Demonstration

Eisenhower Regional Mathematics and Science Edu-
cation Consortia. The 10 consortia, working closely
with the Eisenhower Clearinghouse, offer information
and technical assistance to help states and school dis-
tricts provide improved mathematics and science pro-
grams in accordance with high academic standards. They
also train and provide technical assistance to classroom
teachers, administrators, and other educators to help
them adapt and use exemplary instructional materials,
teaching methods, curricula, and assessment tools. Con-
tact: Office of Educational Research and Improvement,
U.S. Department of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue
NW, Washington, DC 20808-5644, (202) 219-2206.

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Educa-
tion (FIPSE). These grants support innovative reform
projects to improve the quality of teaching and student
learning and to insure equal educational opportunity at
the postsecondary level. Funded projects are intended to
be models that advance practice by being disseminated

eu



Title I, Part A, of the Improving America’s Schools
Act of 1994. These formula grants go through state edu-
cation agencies to local agencies to improve educational
opportunities for educationally disadvantaged students.
Programs focus on improving teaching and learning to en-
able students to meet high academic standards, and sup-
port extended-day programs, effective transition from
preschool to school, greater parental participation, and
schoolwide programs. Title I programs are expected to
benefit more than 50,000 schools and 5 million students
in high-poverty areas. Contact: Compensatory Education
Programs, Office of Elementary and Secondary Educa-
tion, U.S. Department of Education, Room 4400 Portals
Building, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20202-6132, (202) 260-0826.



See also:

Eisenhower Federal Activities, Regional Technical
Support and Professional Development Consortia,

. and Teacher Networking Project in the Professional
Development section; and

National Challenge Grants for Technology in Edu-
cation, Star Schools, and Telecommunications Dem-
onstration Project for Mathematics in the Technology
section.



Contents

School Improvement

Professional Development

Technology

Development and Demonstration
Research and Statistics

Information

Recognition

Scholarships, Fellowships, Related Aid

For More Information



For More Information

For information on U.S. Department of Education
programs, call

1-800-USA-LEARN (872-5327).

To find out more about available research material on
education and related subjects, contact

The National Library of Education at
j-800-424-1616
or Library@inet.ed.gov.



nationally. In mathematics and science education,
FIPSE supports projects involving curriculum reform,
new uses of technology, teacher preparation, and more.
Eligible applicants include 2- and 4-year colleges and uni-
versities, consortia, associations, nonprofit corporations,
and others. Contact: FIPSE, Office of Postsecondary Edu-
cation, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-5134, (202) 708-
5750.

Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Edu-
cation Grants. These demonstration grants fund activi-
ties to help meet the special educational needs of gifted
and talented students in elementary and secondary
schools. The program also encourages the development of
challenging curricula for all. students, with special focus
on students who are disadvantaged, handicapped, or have
limited English proficiency. A current priority includes
projects in mathematics and science. Contact: Office of
Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Depart-
ment of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Wash-
ington, DC 20808-5645, (202) 219-2187.



greater student understanding. Several studies focus on
science and mathematics. Contact: National Center for
Research on Teacher Learning, Michigan State Univer-
sity, College of Education, 116 Erikson Hall, East
Lansing, MI 48824-1034, (517) 355-9302.

National Center for Science Teaching and Learn-
ing. The center conducts research to improve science
teaching and learning, with special focus on noncurricu-
lar, external factors affecting science students and teach-
ers in grades K-12. Among these factors are social and
cultural factors; public expectations and societal incen-
tives; school organization, policy, and economic/political
forces; new technologies; and content integration. Con-
tact: National Center for Science Teaching and Learning,
The Ohio State University, 1929 Kenny Road, Columbus,
OH 48210-1015, (614) 292-3339.

National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS:88)
of 1988. The National Center for Education Statistics is
following a sample of 25,000 8th-graders along with their
parents, principals, and teachers during a 2-year cycle.
The data collected will allow researchers to examine stu-
dents’ attitudes and enrollment patterns as well as

22 27



and private schools and reflect most age and ability lev-
els. Contact: Office of Educational Research and Improve-
ment, U.S. Department of Education, 555 New Jersey
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20208-5644, (202) 219-
2134.

Regional Educational Laboratories. The 10 laborato-
ries carry out applied research and development, dissemi-
nation of key information, and special activities to aid
public and private nonprofit organizations in their re-
gions. As part of the laboratories’ mathematics and sci-
ence initiative, they are collecting, analyzing, and
synthesizing information about curriculum frameworks,
performance assessment methods, and successful mathe-
matics and science programs and practices. The laborato-
ries are also substantially involved in the work of the
Eisenhower Regional Consortia. Contact: Office of Educa-
tional Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of
Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20808-5644, (202) 219-2116.

18 5)



United States Postage and Fees Pald
Department of Education US Department of Education

Washington, DC 20208-5572 Permit No. G-17

Official Business
. : Third Class

Penalty for Private Use $300

e
Our missian ts toensure equal access to education and provide

educational excellence throughout the nation

BEST COPY AVAILABLE AD 95-1004

US. Department of hducation

Otfice of Pducational Research wad Payprovenmrent



Technology

National Challenge Grants for Technology in Edu-
cation. These grants go to consortia working to improve
and expand new applications of technology to strengthen
school reform. Grantees stress improving student achieve-
ment and providing sustained professional development
of teachers, administrators, and school library media per-
sonnel. Contact: Interagency Technology Task Force, 600
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-5544,
(202) 708-6001.

Star Schools. This program funds partnerships that use
telecommunications and other technologies to improve
educational opportunities for students in mathematics,
science, foreign languages, literacy skills, vocational edu-
cation, and other subjects. Services, including program-
ming and equipment, have been provided to schools and
communities.serving students in both rural and urban ar-
eas, using technologies that include satellite, fiber optics,
compressed video, facsimile, computer networks, and ca-
ble. In 1994-95, Star Schools projects served almost

LS



School Improvement

Goals 2000. This program provides grants to states,
school districts, and schools to develop and put in place
comprehensive, standards-based school improvement
plans. The 5-year funding, which began in FY 1994,
helps support new or ongoing improvement plans. Local
districts receive most of the improvement funding. The
program encourages high academic standards in the core
academic subjects, including math and science, and pro-
motes the use of education technology. The main aim of
these reforms is to help states and communities reach the
eight National Education Goals. Contact: Goals 2000,
U.S. Department of Education, Room 4000 Portals Build-
ing, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20202-6150, (202) 401-0039.

Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE). The
FIE awards grants to state and local education agencies,
institutions of higher education, and other public and pri-
vate organizations. These grants support nationally sig-
nificant programs to improve the quality of education,

Lu



1995-96, up to 80 awards will be made in biology, chemis-
try, engineering, mathematics, physics, and computer
and information sciences. Contact: Graduate Assistance
in Areas of National Need Program, Division of Higher
Education Incentives Programs, Office of Postsecondary
Education, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20202-5329, (202) 260-3368.

National Science Scholars. This program provides
scholarships to meritorious graduating high school stu-
dents and General Education Development (GED) recipi-
ents to continue their studies at the postsecondary level.
The program recognizes students’ excellence and achieve-
ment in the physical, life, and computer sciences; mathe-
matics; and engineering. Students apply to their state
department of education. Contact: Division of Higher
Education Incentive Programs, Office of Postsecondary
Education, U.S. Department of Education, Seventh and D
Streets SW, Washington, DC 20202-5251, (202) 708-
4609.

Robert C. Byrd Scholarship. To recognize and promote
student achievement, this program makes grants to
states to award scholarships for up to 4 years of study at

28 so



on programs, practices, and policies) in science, mathe-
matics, and environmental education. The clearinghouse
provides a variety of services and products to give educa-
tors, administrators, researchers, and the public current
information on a broad range of issues. Contact: ERIC
Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environ-
mental Education, The Ohio State University, 1929
Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1080, (614) 292-6717.

Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathemat-
ics and Science Education. The clearinghouse was es-
tablished to improve access to K-12 mathematics and
science resources for teachers, students, parents, and oth-
ers. It develops and maintains a comprehensive collec-
tion and catalog of K-12 curriculum materials. It also ties
into a network of existing databases containing catalogs
of materials in various formats, text and evaluations of se-
lected materials, and other resources for mathematics
and science education. Contact: Eisenhower National
Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education,
The Ohio State University, 1929 Kenny Road, Columbus,
OH 43210-1079, (614) 292-7784.

JU 25



Since 1990, the Department of Ed:cation’s involvement
with math, science, and technology education has grown
considerably. We have begun a collaborative partnership
with 15 other federal agencies to strengthen overall fed-
eral support in these areas. We have established a Steer-
ing Committee for Mathematics and Science, as well as a
Special Advisor on Education Technology, attached to the
Secretary of Education’s office. Congress has enhanced
our role by adding new, targeted programs. The result is
a renewed focus on what schools and teachers need to
help our students excel in mathematics, science, and
technology.



The Goal

hen the nation’s leaders decided in 1990 that

American students would be first in the world

in math and science achievement by 2000, it
was not a casual goal. It was a recognition that our na-
tion is rapidly shifting to a society based on information
and technology. It was a nod to the connection between
math and science learning, and learning in other core
subjects. And it was an acknowledgment that our stu-
dents were performing below world-class standards at
various grade levels on international tests, even as our
scientists continued to lead the world in their achieve-
ments. Setting that goal—as with all of the goals—was a
call to action for the nation.



1,650,000 participants. Contact: Office of Educational Re-
search and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education,
555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20808-
5645, (202) 219-2116, E—mail: cgarnett@inet.ed.gov.

Telecommunications Demonstration Project for
Mathematics. This project is a national communica-
tions-based effort designed to assist elementary and sec-
ondary school teachers in preparing students for
achieving state content standards. Contact: Office of Edu-
cational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of
Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20808-5650, (202) 219-2181.

See also:

Regional Technical Support and Professional De-
velopment Consortia and Teacher Networking Pro-
ject in the Professional Development section.



Since many of the programs include competitive as well
as formula grants to states and local school systems, al-
most all mathematics and science teachers have the op-
portunity to benefit from additional education which, in
turn, enhances the academic achievement of their stu-
dents. States and institutions of higher education have
risen to the goal’s challenge by collaboating on new curric-
ula designs and teaching methods.

Taken together, the programs in this booklet significantly
enhance the prospect that American students will reach

the science and mathematics goal by the year 2000.



Research and Statistics

Field-Initiated Studies. This program funds diverse re-
search projects proposed by individuals, institutions of
higher education, public and private institutions, and
agencies. In fiscal year 1994, the program awarded 11
such grants, including one on mathematics and two on
technology in the classroom. Contact: Office of Educa-
tional Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of
Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20808-5521, (202) 219-2223.

National Assessment of Educational Progress
(NAEP). NAEP has measured the educational achieve-
ment of American students for more than two decades.

Its 1996 mathematics and science assessments of 4th-,
8th-, and 12th-graders will feature several testing innova-
tions. Contact: Office of Educational Research and Im-
provement, U.S. Department of Education, 555 New
Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20808-5653, (202)
219-1763.

ran
20



nee e eeeereer e

DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 387 360 SE 056 945

TITLE Excelling in Math and Science: Selected Programs of
the U.S. Department of Education.

INSTITUTION Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED),
Washington, DC.

REPORT NO AD-95- 1004

PUB DATE Jul 95

NOTE 36p.

PUB TYPE Guides - Non-Classroom Use (055)

EDRS PRICE MFO1/PCO2 Plus Postage.

DESCRIPTORS *Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education:

*Federal Programs; “Mathematics Education;
Education; Technology Education
IDENTIFIERS “Department of Education; “Reform Efforts

cience

ABSTRACT
The National Education Goal on Math and Science is
that by the year 2000, U.S. students will be the first in the world
in mathematics and science achievement. The programs in this booklet
reflect the various aspects of U.S. Department of Education's efforts
to support the achievement of this goal as well as its commitment to
comprehensive education improvement based on high academic standards.
These programs support math, science, and technology education,
either directly or indirectly, in various ways. They cover support
for state and local reform, education research, information
clearinghouses, and scholarships in selected areas, under the
following topics: school improvement; professional development;
technology; development and demonstration; researci, and statistics;
information; recognition; and scholarships, feilowships, and related 1
aid. (MKR) i

Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made
from the original document.



Magnet Schools Assistance. These grants go to local
education agencies implementing approved desegregation
plans, either required or voluntary. The program has
four purposes: to support the elimination, prevention, or
reduction of minority group isolation in elementary and
secondary schools; to support projects that will help
achieve systemic reforms and help all students meet chal-
lenging state content and performance standards; to sup-
port innovative educational practices; and to support
instruction that strengthens students’ academic knowl-

edge and grasp of viable vocational skills. Contact: Mag-
net Schools and Desegregation Programs, Office of
Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department
of Education, Portals Building, 600 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20202-6140, (202) 260-2476.

Science Standards. The National Research Council of
the National Academy of Sciences, with a grant from the
Eisenhower National Program, is developing science con-
tent standards for students, grades K-12. Science educa-
tors, scientists, and the general public are extensively
involved, reviewing and refining the standards. More
than 100 organizations serve as liaisons to the project.

wa



assist all students to meet challenging state content and
student performance standards, and contribute to the
achievement of the National Education Goals. Contact:
Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S
Department of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20808-5524, (202) 219-1301.

Innovative Education Program Strategies. This pro-
gram underpins state and local endeavors to reach the
National Education Goals by funding efforts to imple-
ment promising education reforms. States and districts
have wide flexibility—targeting, for example, the special
needs of at-risk and high-cost students, or providing a con-
tinuing source for innovation through library services,

and instructional and media materials. Grants go to

state education agencies, with 85 percent in subgrants
passing through to local agencies. Contact: School Im-
provement Office, Office of Elementary and Secondary
Education, U.S. Department of Education, Portals Build-
ing, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20202-6140, (202) 260-2551.

ro


Scholarships, Fellowships,
Related Aid

Christa McAuliffe Fellowship. This grant program to
state education agencies establishes a national fellowship
program for outstanding teachers who have 8 or more
years of teaching experience. The program encourages
McAuliffe Fellows to undertake many challenging activi-
ties. One is to develop programs that incorporate the use
and sharing of technologies to help students learn. Con-
tact: School Improvement Programs, Office of Elementary
and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education,
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-
6140, (202) 401-0659.

Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need.
This program offers graduate fellowships through aca-
demic departments of colleges and universities to assist
graduate students of superior ability who demonstrate fi-
nancial need. The purpose of the program is to sustain
and enhance the nation’s capacity in teaching and re-
search in designated academic areas. In academic year

de 27



Recognition

Blue Ribbon Schools. Outstanding public and private
schools across the United States are recognized through
the annual Blue Ribbon Schools competition. Special hon-
ors go to recognized schools that have model programs in
specific curriculum areas. The 1993-94 elementary pro-
gram stressed science and mathematics; the 1994-95 sec-
ondary program emphasizes technology. Contact: Office
of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Depart-
ment of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Wash-
ington, DC 20808-5650, (202) 219-2149.



What's Inside

pects of the Department of Education’s commit-

ment to comprehensive education improvement
based on high academic standards. These programs sup-
port math, science, and technology education, either di-
rectly or indirectly, in various ways. They cover support
for state and local reform, education research, informa-
tion clearinghouses, ard scholarships in selected areas,
under the following topic areas:

Ts programs in this booklet reflect the various as-

¢ School Improvement

e Professional Development

e Technology

Development and Demonstration

e Research and Statistics

e Information

e Recognition

e Scholarships, Fellowships, Related Aid

9



Minority Science Improvement. This program pro-
motes long-range improvement in science education at
predominantly minority institutions of higher education.
It supports activities that enhance an institution’s capac-
ity for developing and maintaining quality science and
technology education programs and that increase the flow
of underrepresented ethnic minorities, particularly minor-
ity women, into scientific and technological careers. Ap-
proximately 31 new awards will be made in FY 1996.
Contact: Minority Science Improvement Program, Office
of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Educa-

tion, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20202-5251, (202) 260-3261.

National Diffusion Network (NDN). The NDN pro-
vides a dissemination system that helps public and pri-
vate schools. colleges, and other educational institutions
to improve by sharing successful educational programs,
products, and processes that have undergone rigorous
evaluation through an effectiveness panel. In 1993-94,
NDN programs, serving over 6 million students, were
adopted in approximately 35,600 schools. Currently, 89
projects span the content areas of interest to local public

17



teachers’ instructional patterns. Close attention is given
to students’ cognitive growth over time, in mathematics,
science, reading, and social studies. Contact: Office of
Educational Research and Improvement, U.S.Department
of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20808-5651, (202) 219-1777.

Third International Mathematics and Science
Study. The National Center for Education Statistics will
conduct the U.S. portion of the International Association
for the Evaluation of Education Achievement’s Third In-
ternational Mathematics and Science Study, which meas-
ures student progress in mathematics and science in
more than 40 countries. In 1995 and 1999, each country
will measure student proficiency among 4th-, 8th-, and
12th-graders, and 12th-grade specialists in mathematics
and science. Contact: Office of Educational Research and
Improvement, U.S. Department of Education, 555 New
Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20808-5650, (202)
219-1746.



U.S. Department of Education

Richard W. Riley
Secretary

July 1995

The National Education Goal on

Math and Science

By the year 2000, U.S. students will be first in the world
in mathematics and science achievement.

Objectives

Mathematics and science education will be strengthened
throughout the system, especially in the early grades.

The number of teachers with a substantive background in
mathematics and science will increase by 50 percent.

The number of U.S. undergraduate and graduate
students, especially women and minorities, who complete
degrees in mathematics, science, and engineering will
increase significantly.



Professional Development

Eisenhower Federal Activities. This program supports
projects of national significance that contribute to the de-
velopment and implementation of high-quality profes-
sional development activities. The program’s original
focus was mathematics and science; in 1995 it expanded
to include all core academic subjects. Contact: Office of
Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Depart-
ment of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Wash-
ington, DC 20808-5650, (202) 219-2206.

Eisenhower Professional Development Program
(State Formula Grants). This program awards grants
through the states to local school systems in support of
sustained and intensive, high-quality professional devel-
opment in the core academic subjects in the nation’s ele-
mentary and secondary schools. One key aim is to
increase students’ opportunity to achieve challenging
state content and performance standards. Grants also
are awarded to institutions of higher education and non-
profit organizations through state agencies for higher

10 Lo



Currently, 15 projects serve 673 teachers in 84 schools.
Several projects focus on mathematics and science educa-
tion, and most work with at-risk students. Contact: Of-
fice of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S.
Department of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20808-5645, (202) 219-2053.

See also:

Christa McAuliffe Fellowship in the Scholarships sec-
tion; and

National Center for Research on Teacher Learning
in the Research and Statistics section.

12



Excelling
in Math
and Science

Selected Programs of the
U.S. Department of Education
J


National Center for Research on Cultural Diversity
and Second Language Learning. The center ad-
dresses the problem of the generally low levels of success
in education among linguistically and culturally diverse
populations, including low levels of achievement in sci-
ence and mathematics and subsequent under-repre-
sentation in these fields. Contact: National Center for
Research on Cultural Diversity and Second Language
Learning, University of California at Santa Cruz, Kerr
Hall, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, (408) 459-3501.

National Center for Research in Mathematical Sci-
ences Education. The center examines the learning and
teaching of whole numbers, quantities, algebra, geometry,
and statistics. The center also is examining models of
authentic assessment and implementation of reform.
Contact: National Center for Research in Mathematical
Sciences Education, University of Wisconsin at Madison,
Wisconsin Center for Education Research, 1025 West
Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53706, (608) 263-4285.

National Center for Research on Teacher Learning.
The center focuses on teacher skills for increasing the in-
volvement of students in active learning, thus leading to

26 21



ED 387 360

Sxcettimg
in Math |
and Sciemce

U.S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Office of Educational Research and improvement

EDUCATIONAL RE SOURCES INFORMATION

NTER (ERIC)

ment do not ni
ERI postion or

MBEST COPY AVAILABLE

Selected Programs of the
US. Department of Education



institutions of higher education. The scholarships go to
outstanding graduating high school seniors who show
promise of continued excellence. Contact: Division of
Higher Education Incentive Programs, Office of Postsec-
ondary Education, U.S. Department of Education, 7th
and D Streets SW, Washington, DC 20202-5251, (202)
260-3394.

Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement.
The program offers funding to graduate and undergradu-
ate institutions to support research and other scholarly
opportunities for potential graduate students. The pro-
gram’s intent is to promote preparation for doctoral study
so that disadvantaged students can participate more effec-
tively in doctoral programs. For academic year 1995-96,
about 25 students will benefit in each of 96 institutions re-
ceiving an award. Contact: Ronald E. McNair Postbacca-
laureate Achievement Program, Division. of Higher
Education Incentive Programs, Office of Postsecondary
Education, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Inde-
pendence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-5251,

(202) 708-4809.



Information

Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC).
ERIC is a federally funded, nationwide information net-
work that provides access to educational literature. The
ERIC system comprises 25 components that collect, ab-
stract, and index educational material for the ERIC data-
base, and respond to requests for information. Those
components include 16 subject-specific clearinghouses, a
central processing and reference facility, and a document
reproduction service. ERIC also provides a one-stop con-
tact point in ACCESS ERIC, which coordinates outreach,
dissemination, and marketing activities; develops system-
wide publications; and offers general reference and refer-
ral services. Contact ACCESS ERIC at (800) LET-ERIC
(538-3742),

ERIC Clearinghouse on Mathematics, Science, and
Environmental Education. This clearinghouse, located
at Ohio State University, acquires, selects, and processes
high-quality printed materials (such as reports, curricula
and instructional materials, evaluations, and information

24 éu


Separate working groups, funded by a coalition of other
federal agencies, are developing teaching and assessment
standards in close cooperation with the content standards
groups. Contact: Director of Critique and Consensus,
Natural Science Education Standards and Assessment,
2101 Constitution Avenue NW, MA 487, Washington, DC
20419, (202) 334-1399.

State Standards and Curriculum Frameworks.

Most states and the District of Columbia have received
grants to help develop and implement K-12 academic
standards or curriculum frameworks to clarify what,
when, and how to teach the core academic subjects. The
state efforts are building on existing and emerging stand-
ards to ensure that all children study challenging subject
material. The projects are also designing and implement-
ing new approaches to teacher education and certification
appropriate to the standards/frameworks. Contact: Office
of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Depart-
ment of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Wash-
ington, DC 20808-5645, (202) 219-2187.



education. Contact: Eisenhower Professional Develop-
ment Education Program Branch, Office of Elementary
and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education,
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-
6140, (202) 260-1907.

Regional Technical Support and Professional Devel-
opment Consortia. The six regional consortia develop
programs that offer professional development, technical
assistance, and information resource dissemination. The
main aim of these programs is to help states, local dis-
tricts, teachers, and others successfully integrate ad-
vanced technologies into elementary and secondary
classrooms, library media centers, adult literacy centers,
and other learning environments. Contact: Office of Edu-
cational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of
Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20808-5650, (202) 219-8070.

Teacher Networking Project. This project explores
various approaches to using electronic networks as tools
for teacher professional development. A major grants
competition supports model projects in this area, particu-
larly applications of high-performance computing.

_ 11
fo