STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education allows students to engage in interdisciplinary learning that fosters innovation, problem-solving skills and creativity. In November 2023, Education Commission of the States received applications from 10 states to participate in a technical assistance network and professional…

In what ways do Jewish and Muslim faith schools in Britain play a role in promoting and contributing to community cohesion? What 21st-century skills around intercultural understanding do they foster? This book examines the nuances of faith in school settings and draws on a case study of Jewish and Muslim faith schools. The authors show how these…

In response to pervasive problems of low income, anticipated loss of employment in the textile industry, high dropout rates, high crime rates, and poor relationships among municipalities, Gaston County, North Carolina, has developed an innovative set of processes for promoting cooperation and facilitating leadership techniques. The Gaston System…

A school board member describes how the use of four elements helped the board win public support for a referendum that was strongly opposed by an organized, respected committee: (1) Use of the media; rather than inviting press coverage of arguments by holding large public meetings, the board held numerous small, informative meetings. In this…

In 2006, more than 6 million individuals were victimized by violent crimes. Although violence is below levels of the early 1990s, it remains high. The extent of violence and its impact highlight a critical need to develop and implement effective programs to reduce violence and victimization. Communities have initiated a wide range of such…

School officials put a crisis communications plan into action after two Ohio students died and a third became critically ill from meningitis in May 2001. A mass immunization program prevented a major outbreak, and rumor control helped calm the public's fears. Recounts things learned from the experience. (MLF)

Retreats, which have been used by churches and corporations for some time, are currently being looked into by college presidents and boards of trustees as a means of training and problem solving. While many types of retreats may not be appropriate for boards, a well-planned working retreat can be an effective way for trustees to: (1) really get to…

Offers superintendents guidelines for resolving personnel disputes, policy disagreements, and communication problems with school boards so that schools run smoothly. (KS)

To increase student achievement, a Massachusetts school district used Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-based approach to problem solving for strategic planning. The process asks: What does this organization do well, and what is our vision for the future. Cites activities that helped schools reach goals set in the process. (MLF)

Utilizes a quasiexperimental design to examine the impact of microcomputer simulations on environmental problem solving by community college students. The experimental group of students (n=34) showed a highly significant improvement in problem-solving skills after being exposed to three simulation models that focused on lake pollution analysis,…

A school district in Rosemont, Minnesota, cut 2.4 million dollars from its general fund budget in 1982-83, a cut of almost 10 percent. Instead of splitting the community, the district emerged from the process stronger than before. This was accomplished through a 4-month participatory management process involving staff, citizens, parents, and…

As community, technical, and junior colleges approach the 21st century, faculty shortages, an increasingly diverse student body, dwindling financial resources, and accountability mandates will require careful, action-oriented college planning. This two-part book presents 10 articles on the dynamics of planning and specific planning models, and…