This report describes the activities of the Star Schools projects funded between 1990 and 1994, with particular emphasis on the projects funded in the third cycle. Information was obtained through project records and interviews with project staff, as well as by site visits to the funded projects and 34 schools that participated in Star Schools activities. In addition, a group of curriculum experts reviewed curricula offered through the Star Schools Program. Pluses and Minuses of the Star Schools Program Pluses Over 30 separate full courses are offered that otherwise would be unavailable to participating students. These courses include Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Latin, mathematics, science, and advanced placement English.
Foreign languages comprise the largest number of full-course offerings.
Students in 10 major urban areas, as well as in other communities, have access to curriculum and instruction that supplement their classroom experiences. These supplemental courses, mainly in mathematics and science, involve students in hands-on activities and provide models of best practice to their teachers. Both supplemental and full courses offered through the Star Schools Program support and extend state and local educational reform efforts. Star Schools activities were generally more successful in schools and districts that were committed to the success of distance learning. Even full courses that do not require a certified teacher benefited from a facilitator who invested in the distance learning program.