The U.S. Department of Education is seeking nominations for its fourth annual American Stars of Teaching project, which recognizes exemplary teachers who raise student achievement, use innovative classroom strategies and make a difference in their students' lives.

Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored this fall as 2007 American Stars of Teaching. One teacher will be recognized from each state and the District of Columbia.

Colleagues, parents, students, school administrators or members of the community may nominate a teacher they believe has demonstrated the skills, talents and qualities that personify an American Star of Teaching.

Nominations for American Stars must be submitted to the department by March 31. The online nomination form and more information about the Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative are at www.ed.gov/teacherinitiative.

IDEAS

STUDENTS EAGER FOR EARLIER TUTORING

After a yearlong pilot run, four school districts in Virginia continue to offer students from low-income families free tutoring one year earlier than usual. Based on an increase in participation, the U.S. Department of Education reauthorized the state to provide supplemental educational services to students in schools in Alexandria, Henry County, Newport News and Stafford County that are in the first, rather than second, year of school improvement under the No Child Left Behind Act.

Because of the flexibility, one district experienced as much as a 200 percent increase in the number of eligible children enrolling. The school systems are among 16 in five states involved in the department's pilot program.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, The Achiever, January 2007