The Common Problems Project (CP2) is an interdisciplinary, problem-based pedagogy that was launched in 2015 by four partner colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system (Cortland, Oneonta, Oswego, and Plattsburgh). Since its inception, 100 faculty have participated in CP2 and integrated the pedagogy into 134 courses to implement 47…

Designing a school building on site at the school district, rather than in the architect's office, provides for input from administrators, students, and community members. Misunderstandings are prevented from escalating. (MLF)

With parent and community input, the school board can develop policies that will prevent unnecessary conflicts and help resolve others involving controversial issues in the curriculum. (Author/DCS)

This guide helps child welfare agencies and their partners craft more family-focused and neighborhood-based service systems. It suggests a framework that agencies can use to assess their current policies and practices and develop plans to integrate Family to Family values, principles, and strategies into existing initiatives and activities. Family…

Examines the nature and extent of behavioral changes exhibited by participants of an action oriented environmental program which focused on Lake Michigan's water quality. Outlines the program's objectives and assesses long-term behavioral modifications resulting from involvement in the decision-making process. (ML)

Reviews the history of citizens' advisory councils and the attitudes toward them, the uses to which they are put, common problems they pose for principals, and their potential for contributing to the schools. Notes that principals usually view such councils negatively, and that principals' attitudes determine council effectiveness. (PGD)

Within the last 20 years, the idea of "people centered" or participatory development has become more prevalent. The participatory approach to development represents a considerable change in the process of governance, in social and political relationships, and in who participates in, is empowered by, and controls the development process.…

Compares the problems faced in public education to those of U.S. industry during the past two decades. Points out that today's educational enterprise requires greater cooperation, communication, and commitment. Calls for the formation of a new partnership among education, business, and community. In place of separate reforms, advocates a new…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: Something good is happening in Indiana that may be a model for the nation. The Indiana Congress on Education, which convened for the first time last June, could be an unconventional but effective way to change public policy. Throughout the fall, we've been treated to demonstrations of the…

Beginning in fall 1982 the Aurora West Public Schools (Illinois) conducted a multi-year study to identify the nature of their instructional programs and to establish a set of position statements that would serve as guides for program review and change. A significant element of the process was the involvement of the entire staff in development of…

In order for education to improve, it must undergo change implemented by teachers and administrators; directives from governing bodies will not accomplish much. The process for change could be based on the Japanese management model of redefining the corporate mission every few years with input from the employees. Schools need to listen to the…

This guidebook, prepared by a faculty committee at Michigan State University (MSU) in 1995-96, is intended to encourage discussion of quality outreach among faculty, staff, administrators, and university collaborators. Its specific purpose is to develop an understanding of what constitutes quality outreach, to enhance unit-level planning for…

A survey of 100 principals known for their successful programs for obtaining community support brought many effective techniques to light. These methods fall into four categories: written and oral communications, community involvement in decision making, use of school volunteers, and encouragement of parent-faculty organizations. (PGD)

This book aims to help parents, community members, and educators find resources, design school options, and take action together to improve small rural schools in ways that meet community and student needs. Chapter 1 discusses the virtues of smallness, outlines basic assumptions about the role and nature of good education, examines the…

Thirteen papers and a speech address the theme of who makes education policy in Australia. Kwong Lee Dow's address assesses national planning in uncertain times and urges flexibility. John Steinle outlines the operation of Australian policy-making and recommends developing think tanks. Edward Holdaway analyzes the complex relationship between…