In the development phase of the project, (August 2000-July 2002) The ESL/CivicsLink team was fortunate to have teachers at JCPS and programs affiliated with PBS station KLRN in San Antonio use and comment on the materials.

In the testing phase (September-November, 2002) a pilot implementation of the ESL/CivicsLink materials was conducted with teachers from Pennsylvania (28), California (8), and New York (9). Participating teachers in Pennsylvania pursued online study in either an independent or facilitated group as part of a state-wide professional development effort led by the state coordinator for ESL, Raiana Mearns. Teachers in California participated in a study group led by the program director Sylvia Martinez. Teachers in New York were recruited through the Literacy Assistance Center and used the ESL/CivicsLink materials as independent learners. Teachers varied significantly in background, teaching experience, and familiarity with technology. Teachers commented favorably on the content of the units and the project-based learning approach.

Initial analysis of the data collected during the implementation yielded findings that informed the final design of the content and online tools as well as the training guide for future licensees. A detailed report of the findings will be available in June, 2003