Despite the proliferation of online homework websites and tutoring services, public libraries still have an important role to play when it comes to supporting young people's educational needs. Public libraries that take a proactive approach--by setting up organized homework centers--have the potential to become catalysts for better performance in…

This practical book will help readers understand what STEAM is, how it differs from STEM, and how it can be used to engage students in K-8 classrooms. The authors present a conceptual model with recommendations and classroom examples illustrating various key aspects of STEAM teaching in action, including creating the correct teaching environment,…

Although America's extended schooling structure is better preparation for work, it may be worse preparation for life. Young people, during their journey to a productive and fulfilling adulthood, need to see that they have a stake in the community, a meaningful role to play in it, and a reason for investing in its future. This book, divided into…

Parents and community members can become involved with schools in at least three ways: (1) direct involvement in an advisory capacity through school advisory councils, various parent organizations, or as individuals through involvement and shared decision making in School/Community-Based Management (S/C-BM); (2) hands-on involvement in school…

The 22 essays and case studies in this book offer a theoretical and practical guide on outreach programs of colleges and universities. The chapters are: (1) "The New American Outreach University: Challenges and Options" (Richard M. Lerner, Lou Anna K. Simon); (2) "The Land-Grant Idea and the Evolving Outreach University" (James T. Bonnen); (3)…

Cultural and linguistic diversity is increasing, and ESOL (English speaker of other languages) students are often at risk for academic failure. School boards' and administrators' legal and fiscal decisions should be based on valid research and detailed accounts of effective programs. Chapter 1 considers the history of structural responses to ESOL…

The seeming increase of violence in American society and its schools has become a pressing issue. Some researchers argue that the American education system mirrors the dynamics of society. The articles in this book address the following issues: the extent of violence in American schools; the forms that violence takes; its root causes; the effects…

Described are various models and methods that have helped communities around the United States and Canada give the public a better understanding of legal and judicial systems. An introductory section discusses the role of the legal profession in improving public understanding of the law, how to put together a team to teach about the judicial…

A great deal has been said and written about the importance of giving students the opportunity to provide service to others. This book is designed to provide educators with a "crash course" in how to start or repair such a program in their schools or districts. Following the introduction, chapter 1 defines service learning and explores its…

This guide introduces teachers to the ideas and methods that underpin project-based learning. Teachers who are new to planning and managing projects will find the guide particularly helpful as a starting point and resource guide. Chapter 1 presents a rationale for project-based instruction, describes potential benefits and concerns, discusses the…

This curriculum guide discusses civic responsibility, how it is tied to service learning, how faculty can integrate concepts and exercises in a practical way, and how faculty can assess the development of civic responsibility in their students. Civic responsibility is defined here as active participation in the public life of a community, in an…

This book tells the story of how one school system in a medically underserved community near Chicago conceived and implemented primary care health facilities in two of its schools to serve all the children of the school district. The key to the preventive health care plan is the use of specially trained school nurse practitioners and health aides…

This book suggests an approach to education that includes students' family members as valuable citizens in a community of learners which also includes students, teachers, and other members of the community at large. Part 1 examines current trends in parental involvement and the hidden assumptions on which many such programs are based. It is argued…

Accomplishing significant improvement in teaching and learning requires strong, open, and interactive relationships between schools and the community. Chapter 1, "What's Out There," explores the vital role of teacher morale in successful reforms and argues that teachers and schools should actively connect, in more effective ways, with…

This book presents overviews of a wide variety of topics that are of priority concern to school district leaders. The topics deal with challenges and issues that are crucial to the success of public schools. The book is designed to get the reader up to speed quickly on important topics and issues, to learn where to get more information about areas…