This newsletter presents articles on: preparing, recruiting, and retaining the best teachers; the RAND project designed to examine the need for high quality programs that impact classroom practice (focusing on mathematics and reading); accountability reform (whether accountability policies improve student achievement); organizational and instructional reforms designed to improve reading achievement; work by the Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) to help build capacity through technology solutions and mentoring; essential resources, including books, policy briefs, and electronic resources; education-related activities in the central region (Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming); and a note from the McREL Board of Directors on the career of one successful school superintendent. (SM)