The University of California, Davis, in partnership with Sacramento High School, will take part in a groundbreaking experiment to study the use of technology in the classroom. UC Davis researchers will be involved in evaluating the effectiveness of a "Classroom of the Future" to be constructed at Sacramento High, featuring such amenities as video conferencing technology and laptop computers for all students that will link to the teacher for real-time monitoring of student work. "I believe that a classroom of this type will improve student achievement, proving that technology in the classroom is a viable component in improving student test scores," said Sacramento High Principal Rich Owen. The classroom will open to students this fall, and is supported with funding and technology from Pacific Bell and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. "This partnership is exciting because it couples a firm like Pac Bell, which will supply its equipment and expertise, with the university and its understanding of effective instructional practice," said Maureen McMahon, Assistant Professor in the Division of Education, who will head the campus research team. UC Davis will be assisting the Sacramento City Unified School District in evaluating the performance of students who have access to the new technology compared to students in standard classrooms. In addition, UC Davis will provide ongoing professional development to teachers at Sacramento High School using the classroom's video-conferencing capabilities. The "Classroom of the Future" partnership is one of a growing number of programs that link UC Davis expertise with schools. These intensive partnerships help teachers, administrators and the university work together to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter the university.