Accredited degree ncate online

The National Board on Educational Testing and Public Policy has released The Gap Between Testing and Technology in Schools, a report that says national and state tests administered via paper and pencil may severely underestimate the performance of students who have gone to school with computers. For a copy of the report, contact Arnold Shore or Marguerite Clarke at NBETP, (617) 552-0665.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, through The Psychological Corporation, is seeking teachers to score portfolio and assessment center exercises for early childhood through young adulthood/exceptional needs specialist. Assessors receive an honorarium of $125 per day. Qualifications include: Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited institution, three years of teaching experience, a valid teaching license, teaching in the certificate area (at least half time), and may not be a current nationally board-certified teacher. For more information or an application, call (800) 532-1813.

The American Association of Museums (AAM) has produced A Museum Guide to Copyright and Trademark, addressing issues related to copyright, trademark law, the Internet, and licensing, The book is available through the AAM at http://bookstore@aam-us.org or http//www.aam-us.org.

TestU has announced plans to launch its free SAT-preparation program for students who enroll on its web site, http://www.testu. com. The service will provide individual tutorials tailored to the academic needs of the registrants. By the end of this year, the company will have programs for the ACT, the PSAT, and several state exit exams. The college Board, Kaplan Inc., and Princeton Review Inc. are also offering electronic versions.

The report, Educational Attainment and Success in the New Economy: An Analysis of Challenges for Improving Hispanic Students' Achievement, is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov. Overall, Hispanics have lower high school completion rates and fewer degrees from college than Whites. This educational disadvantage begins early and in the home. This report provides descriptive data and identifies five national goals for Hispanic students over the next decade.

According to a recent online survey of 5,800 educators, the Coppell Independent School District in Texas and the Farmington, Michigan public schools have the best school music programs in the country. The two programs have won accolades for high levels of student participation, funding, instructional time dedicated to music, and other indicators of strong programs. Survey results are posted at http://www.giles.com/music-edsurvey.

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has announced new standards that focus on student performance more than course completion. Examiners who visit universities will examine the students' knowledge, skills, and dispositions; assessment systems for evaluating their work; field experiences and clinical practice; diversity of faculty, students, and practicum placements; qualifications, performance, and development of faculty; and governance and resources. The new standards are available at http://www.ncate.org.

Grants and Awards

Through the Mathematics Education Trust in Mathematics, the National Council of Teachers funds special projects that enhance the teaching and learning of math. The deadline for the following awards is December 5, 2000:

* Clarence Olander Grants: an elementary school can receive up to $2,000 to support in-service programs.