This document describes model practices of the Star Schools Program, whose purpose is to provide quality, cost-effective instruction and training through distance education technologies. Benefits which have resulted from the Star Schools Projects for local staff, teachers, and parents are identified. The TEAMS Project focuses on a Three-Tier Distance Learning Staff Development Model; it provides simultaneous teacher training and student instruction. Promising practices for first- through fourth-year teachers which have resulted from the TEAMS Project are described. A table shows a comparison of the existing professional development model and the new TEAMS distance learning professional development model. The TEAMS evaluation method for determining student improvement is also described. Model practices of the Star School Projects are then discussed. These include providing distance learning information and technical assistance; access through cable and public television agencies; access to otherwise unavailable courses and resources; access to programs by learners in geographically isolated areas; simultaneous student instruction and teacher training; education of leaders in non-traditional educational settings; meeting the needs of specific groups of learners; and improved preservice and inservice of teachers. A sample of courses offered through the Star Schools Projects in 1995-96 is provided for the following subjects: English language arts; health and life skills; languages; mathematics; science; and technology. (AEF)