New Issue of Policy Briefs Available Online
In "Maximizing the Effectiveness of Online Accountability Assessments for Students with Disabilities," author Mary Axelson discusses how states can improve assessment for students with disabilities; gain quicker access to more useful student performance data; and, likely, realize secondary benefits for all students by developing online assessments using the principles of universal design.

LoU Training Boosts Edvantia Research Capacity
Edvantia’s research and evaluation staff recently enhanced their capacity to study organizational change when they received training in levels of use (LoU) interviewing from internationally known expert Dr. Gene E. Hall.

Keith Smith Named to Marshall's June Harless Center Hall of Fame
Edvantia’s Keith Smith, Ph.D., was recently inducted into Marshall University’s June Harless Center for Rural Educational Research and Development Hall of Fame.

Research Corner
Cost-benefit analysis. High yield. Economic return. Such phrases from the world of finance have been cropping up in recent reports and articles on preschool education. What kinds of yields can be expected on pre-K investments? Edvantia's monthly Research Corner page in District Administration magazine reports on what the evidence suggests about preschool's potential benefits to children and society.

ARCC State Liaisons Named
The Appalachia Regional Comprehensive Center (ARCC) at Edvantia has named liaisons to each state in its five-state region (KY, NC, TN, VA, WV). Liaisons, who reside in the state to which they are assigned, ensure that ARCC technical assistance is timely and explicitly addresses state needs. Click here for contact information.

Grants Update—February 2006
This new listing features education-related grants from the federal government, foundations, and other sources.