Teachers in most American schools work in isolation, separated from other teachers, making it difficult to benefit from their colleagues' expertise or to share their expertise with others about how to help more students learn. However, a growing body of research shows that when teachers work more collaboratively, student outcomes can improve,…

An examination of several school systems across the country offering community education programs provided information for this report on successful management techniques and unique program ideas, featuring tips from experts and a number of "how-to" suggestions. Drawing particularly on the experiences of administrators with programs in Flint,…

This document is designed to help states and communities develop technical assistance relationships and secure assistance that is responsive to the unique needs of the jurisdiction being served. It is based on the experiences of individuals who have studied and participated in service integration efforts at the state and community levels. It draws…

The process of reforming human services involves a true understanding of the meaning of child-centered, family-focused, community-based services, and the creation of the system that these concepts demand. The concept of "child-centered services" acknowledges that children are entitled to have their basic needs met in a manner that…

The imaginative use of resource persons, field trips, and mentor arrangements by regular and special education teachers can be highly effective in stimulating gifted students' interest in school and commitment to learning. (Author/SB)

Economic growth and development have many implications that need to be considered so that informed decisions regarding the community can be made. Although expansion of an existing establishment or a newly located plant or business are the primary means by which communities seek economic growth, growth can also occur when the new industry is…

Research is reviewed on factors affecting attitudes toward mentally retarded persons, including contact, intervention, and information. (CL)

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 report reviews economic and social issues facing rural schools and communities in the 1990's, focusing on the mutual dependence and collaboration between communities and schools. Rural America, dependent on resource-based industries, has faced distressed economy and declining populations. With a historical overview of rural America under the…

Addresses the feasibility of establishing standards that would guide communities in protecting the environments of children and families. Recommends an environmental assessment tool that evaluates child well-being, compares community averages in terms of high-risk factors, includes longitudinal assessments of child well-being, examines community…

This document was written for prevention specialists who plan or implement integrated services in their communities or school districts. Chapter 1 explains why integrated, school-linked services are needed. Chapter 2 outlines the elements of successful integrated services and barriers to implementation. The third chapter describes three…

This report details unique characteristics of rural violence and outlines 88 strategies to prevent violent behavior, improve services for victims, and reduce recidivism. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, rape, assault, and robbery rates tripled in rural communities from 1965 to 1992. Rural violence differs from urban violence in several…

Information on 12 exemplary volunteer programs is gathered in this manual for school officials, teachers, and volunteer coordinators. An introductory chapter discusses the place of volunteerism in middle and secondary schools, covering categories of volunteers; the services volunteers can provide; the benefits of volunteer programs to students,…

Presents a framework to guide evaluation activities for school and community programs that attempt to improve career development outcomes for students K-16. Discusses three essential components to this framework: a comprehensive career development model for students; a framework to identify post-high school outcomes; and a program evaluation…

This document is part of a series of monographs on community-based services for children and adolescents who are severely emotionally disturbed. The series is the product of a national study of community-based service approaches which identified over 200 programs serving emotionally disturbed children and included visits to several programs…