It’s something every principal understands: when teachers have low expectations of their students, they may rely on lecturing, explanation and recitation, over-controlling classroom interaction, and summarizing texts on behalf of students. But when teachers develop and implement curriculum ideas that are predicated on students as active, engaged, and independent learners, great things can happen in the classroom. Teachers who are already using news media, popular culture, and digital media to support academic achievement in language arts, science, history, and the arts are discovering the power of connecting students’ digital learning skills to fundamental practices in analysis, evaluation, composition, reflection, and social action. Fun and engaging digital and media literacy programs stretch students’ critical thinking skills while developing practical skills in using the computer and the Internet.