K-12 Education

Primary and secondary schooling.

Sub-headings:

Education Reform

Changes in standard educational theory and practices, including alterations in curriculum, teaching methods, classroom size, school structure, school management, and evaluation and assessment.

Educational Technology

Use of technology as an educational tool and resource.

Educational Tests & Measurements

Assessments and evaluations used to measure knowledge and competencies acquired from academic work and to identify cognitive abilities.

Government Policy

Policies created through legislative and judicial enactments that guide K-12 educational practices.

Parent Participation

Parental involvement in the education of their K-12 students.

School Libraries and Media Centers

Areas within schools that provide information literacy and media literacy services, as well as print and nonprint materials and educational equipment/technology for use by students.

School Reports and Statistics

Reports or statistics on K-12 schools, often focused on the achievement of students within a particular school district or state.

U.S. State Standards

Primary school standards for each state in the United States.

Resources in this category:

African Studies Association
http://www.africanstudies.org/

Founded in 1957 as a nonprofit organization, the African Studies Association (ASA) consists of a membership of individuals who are interested in African affairs. Most live in America with other residing in Canada, Asia, Europe, and Africa and are school teachers from K-12, researchers associated with universities, and others who work in the fields of international developement, health, foreign affairs, and government service. The mission of the ASA is to provide a forum for individuals who profess a scholarly and professional interest in Africa. The site points to institutional officers, mission, local business including annual, board, business and town meetings, and it lists many links associated with the organization's mission through the African Studies Main Menu.

The American Association of School Librarians
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslindex.htm

"The mission of the American Association of School Librarians is to provide leadership and support for the development, promotion and improvement of school library media programs, and the school library media profession." This site provides links to information regarding membership, publications, awards, affiliates, conferences and directories.

American School Counselor Association
http://www.schoolcounselor.org/

"The American School Counselor Association is the national organization that represents the profession of school counseling. ASCA focuses on providing professional development, enhancing school counseling programs, and researching effective school counseling practices. Our mission is to promote excellence in professional school counseling and the development of all students." The site has an extensive list of related links.

Association for Childhood Education International
http://www.udel.edu/bateman/acei/

The ACEI is "dedicated to the dual mission of promoting 1) the inherent rights, education and well-being of children from infancy through early adolescence, and 2) high standards of preparation and professional growth for educators." Find information here about conferences, speakers, journals & newsletters, committees, education publications & resources, and membership.

Association for Educational Communications and Technology
http://www.aect.org/

"AECT is an international association for instructional technology and educational media professionals. Our mission is to provide leadership in educational communications and technology by linking professionals holding a common interest in the use ofeducational technology and its application to the learning process." This site includes information about membership, professional development, and the Association's publications and archives.

Association for Science Education
http://www.ase.org.uk/

"Teachers helping teachers to teach science." The ASE is an organization, based in the UK, with an international membership of 24,000. Its members include "teachers, advisers, technicians, industrialists and others contributing to science education." The site provides membership information, links to free and reduced rate publications, links to schools on the Internet, detailed policy descriptions, and notifications of upcoming workshops.

Association of UK Media Specialists
http://www.aukml.org.uk/

The Association of UK Media Librarians, AUKML, was formed in 1986 to create Links between librarians and information workers in all areas of the media industry. Our members come from newspaper and magazine publishing, broadcasting organisations and acaddemic institutions. Despite our name, we are happy to welcome overseas members. We aim to improve the professional standing of information workers through exchanging knowledge and experience and by organising meetings, events and conferences to keep members up-to-date with emerging techniques in information management. This site has information on the membership fees, benefits, news, members, events, conferences, links, and home pages.

Australian School Library Association
http://www.asla.org.au/

"The Australian School Library Association (ASLA) is a national authority, a peak forum in the field of teacher-librarianship and school library resource services. Its aim is to maximise opportunities for students to obtain independent lifelong learning and decision making skills." The sites contains links to useful publications, policy statements, and other resources available for school librarians.

The Benjamin Banneker Association, Inc.
http://www.bannekermath.org/

"The Benjamin Banneker Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization of individuals and groups concerned about the mathematics education of African-American children." This site provides links to numerous points of interest about the organization, including information on the 1997 leadership conference and an extensive list of email and other addresses to facilitate contact with the officers.

The California Association for School Health Educators
http://www.cashe.org/

This site, though regional, provides access to helpful information for all health educators, especially those at the secondary school level. Included are links to current event updates, a newsletter, resources, a directory and a feedback form.

Canadian Teachers' Federation
http://www.ctf-fce.ca/

The CTF is the national bilingual umbrella organization for teachers for Canada. CTF advocates for the teaching profession and provides support to its Member organizations and teachers. This site contains information on educational issues, programs, and publications.

Computers 4 Kids
http://www.c4k.org/

"Computers 4 Kids helps students of all ages acquire the technology and technology skills they need to succeed in the future by providing equitable access to technology resources in homes, schools and communities."

Council of Chief State School Officers
http://www.ccsso.org/

As described, "the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nationwide, nonprofit organization composed of the public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five extra-state jurisdictions." The council attempts to achieve consensus on major policy issues with respect to K-12 education. The site has links to all state education agencies with a web presence and contains information on curricular standards and assessment.

Council of Ministers of Education, Canada
http://www.cmec.ca/

Coalition of education ministers to provide a national voice for Canadian education.

Council of the Great City Schools
http://www.cgcs.org/

CGCS is an information and advocacy organization of K-12 schools in 50 large U.S. cities, promoting inner-city urban education. The site contains information about education in larg city school districts, including descriptions of successful urban education programs and links to other sites such as an online directory of urban education resources.

Erickson Learning Foundation
http://www.erickson-learning.org/

"The homepage of the Erickson Learning Center and Foundation (non-profit) offers excellent training for parents and educators of those with Dyslexia, ADHA, and other learning disorders. It also offers essential information on Learning Disorders and an excellent book that is published by the foundation. This homepage will be updated with the latest information on Learning Disorders and will answer questions that are submitted."

La Fédération des commissions scolaires du Québec
http://www.fcsq.qc.ca/

"The Federation des commissions scolaires du Quebec (FCSQ) coordinate the activities of 61 school boards. The FCSQ mission is to contribute to promote the education and to represent and defend the interest of the school boards."

IASL: School Libraries Online
http://www.iasl-slo.org/

"The mission of the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) is to provide an international forum for people interested in promoting effective school library media programmes as viable instruments in the educational process. Membership is worldwide, and includes school librarians, teachers, librarians, library advisers, consultants, educational administrators, and others who are responsible for library and information services in schools. The membership also includes professors and instructors in universities and colleges where there are programmes for school librarians, and students who are undertaking such programmes. The IASL Web site provides information about the Association, the full text of selected articles from the Newsletter, information about publications, the full text of Association documents, an online registration service for Association conferences, online subscription for the Association's listserv IASL-LINK, and links to other Internet resources, including sites of interest to school librarians, and documents related to school librarianship."

The Intercultural Development Research Association
http://www.idra.org

"Based in San Antonio, Texas, The Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) is an independent, non-profit organization that advocates the right of every child to a quality education. IDRA conducts research and development activities, creates, implements and administers innovative education programs; and provides teacher, administrator, and parent training and technical assistance." Articles on education topics from the IDRA Newsletter; statistics and dropout data; background and updates on policy issues ; lots of links.

International Society for Technology in Education
http://www.iste.org/

"The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the largest teacher-based, nonprofit organization in the field of educational technology. Its mission is to help K-12 classroom teachers and administrators share effective methods for enhancing student learning through the use of new classroom technologies." Besides information about the organization, the site has teacher resources, including job postings in education technology.

Just Think Foundation
http://www.justthink.org/

"The Just Think Foundation exists to stimulate critical thinking about popular media. Just Think strives to equip young people with the literacy tools critical for their future. These tools include the ability to comprehend the content of media and master the technical skills to produce media messages in various forms, from broadcast public service announcements to websites. "

National Association for Bilingual Education
http://www.nabe.org/

Headquartered in Washington, "NABE is...[a] professional organization...devoted to representing both the interests of language-minority students and the bilingual education professionals who serve them." Site includes information on conferences, legislation and policy, links, and discussion forums. Products and publications may be purchased online.

National Association for College Admission Counseling
http://www.nacac.com/index.html

"The National Association for College Admission Counseling is an education association of secondary school counselors, college and university admission officers and counselors and related individuals who work with students as they make the transition from high school to postsecondary education." Sections of the site cover recent legislative developments, list national college fairs, and provide tips for students and parents.

National Association for Gifted Children
http://www.nagc.org/

"The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is an organization of parents, educators, other professionals and community leaders who unite to address the unique needs of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences...NAGC supports and engages in research and development, staff development, advocacy, communication, and collaboration with other organizations and agencies who strive to improve the quality of education for all students." The site contains membership information, info on conferences and upcoming events, publications (some abstracts and excerpts available), and resources for parents.

National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children
http://www.napsec.com/

"The National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children is a nonprofit association whose mission is to ensure access for individuals to private special education as a vital component of the continuum of appropriate placement and services in American education. The association consists solely of private special education schools that serve both privately and publicly placed children with disabilities." The site gives details of the association's free referral service for parents or professionals with a special needs child. Some sections of the site are open to members only and require a password.

National Association of School Psychologists
http://www.naspweb.org/

"The mission of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is to promote educationally and psychologically healthy environments for all children and youth by implementing research-based, effective programs that prevent problems, enhance independence, and promote optimal learning. This is accomplished through state-of-the-art research and training, advocacy, ongoing program evaluation, and caring professional service." The site has information on membership, their convention, advocacy, publications, certification, and hot topics in the field.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
http://www.nbpts.org/

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards works to make "teaching a profession dedicated to student learning and to upholding high standards for professional performance." The site includes a news center, information on National Board Certification, a directory of certified teachers, information on products and services, and information on political action across the country.

National High School Athletic Coaches Association
http://www.hscoaches.org/

"For over 30 years, we have focused on educating, recognizing, and supporting high school coaches, and best of all, we are governed by people like you - the front-line high school coach." Information about association membership and the annual convention are available here. You can also view selected newsletter clips.

National Middle School Association
http://www.nmsa.org/

"Established in 1973, National Middle School Association (NMSA) serves as a voice for professionals, parents, and others interested in the educational and developmental needs of young adolescents (youth 10-15 years of age). NMSA is the only national educational association exclusively devoted to improving the educational experiences of young adolescents." The NMSA research center includes research summaries on topics related to adolescents, such as their developmental needs, school health programs, and sports.

National Parent Teacher Association
http://www.pta.org/

National PTA is a child advocacy organization in the United States. The PTA is a not-for-profit association of parents, educators, students, and other citizens active in their schools and communities. This site contains links to local PTAs, legislative activity, information about membership and program area information.

National School Boards Association
http://www.nsba.org/site/index.asp

"The National School Boards Association is the nationwide advocacy and outreach organization for public school governance." For school board members, the site provides "the latest information on upcoming conferences and seminars, publications, training opportunities and advocacy activities."

NSW/ACT Independent Education Union
http://www.ieu.asn.au/

"The NSW/ACT IEU represents teachers and school support staff employed in Catholic and independent schools, early childhood centres and other non-government educational institutions. The IEU home page is a valuable resource for members and those interested in non-government schooling and education generally." This Australian site has sections on issues and news, professional development, reference groups, and useful links.

Reading is Fundamental
http://www.rif.org/

"Develops and delivers children's and family literacy programs that help prepare young children for reading and motivate school-age children to read." Webiste includes information about RIF and its programs.

Schwab Foundation for Learning
http://www.schwablearning.org/

"The Schwab Foundation for Learning is dedicated to raising awareness about learning differences and providing parents and teachers with the information, resources and support they need to improve the lives of kids with learning differences."

Schwab Foundation for Learning
http://www.schwablearning.org/

Schwab Foundation for Learning is a non-profit operating foundation, founded by discount brokerage pioneer Charles R. Schwab and his wife, Helen O'Neill Schwab. In 1989, the Schwabs established a resource center as a community service to give families information and support on learning differences. The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about learning differences and providing parents and teachers with the information, resources and support they need to improve the lives of kids with learning differences. The site includes information about learning disabilities, a newsletter, and resources for parents and teachers.