February 2006

FEATURES
Is This the School of the Future?
The leaders behind Microsoft’s School of the Future want to create the definitive 21st-century education laboratory. They’re taking notes so you can build one, too.

Miami Schools Feel the Heat
Rudy Crew wanted it closed; a determined community fought him and won. Here’s how two principals are turning their high school from sob story to success.

BEST PRACTICES
How a School Revived a Town
Midland’s online charter school has been a boon for education and the local Pennsylvania economy, while reaping benefits beyond anyone’s expectations.

New Tech Turns Teaching Into Theater
Well-implemented products engage and entertain as they educate. Here’s how five schools are using presentation tools to keep kids motivated.

IN EVERY ISSUE
Plugged In
Technology helps prevent Katrina students from falling behind; districts train their own; vo-tech goes high-tech; finding federal funding; and more.

In My Opinion: Why Video Games Are Good
Don’t be so quick to condemn them. When educators and game developers work together, the results can challenge kids on their own terms.

Future Schools
Central Iowa’s Project SEMI brings massive horsepower to science class with its 53-foot mobile laboratory.