Project INSPIRE (Indiana Special Population Institutes for Recreation Educators), assisted by a team of 61 experts, identified 16 minimum competencies necessary for entry-level professionals in the field of recreation to serve special populations in community recreation. (JN)

A community volunteer program was developed for Miami Southridge Adult Education Center in Dade County, Florida. The program was designed to serve a variety of needs, including providing remedial training for students preparing to take the General Educational Development examination, providing supervisory and tutorial services for the children of…

A total person-concept program combined the development of vocational, communication (English), living, and leadership skills in persons of limited English proficiency. The program, which included vocational, English language, and leadership development classes, had as its objective providing participants with new experiences to develop…

This report describes the Alliance for Achievement project, a guide for constructing a school community that takes into account influences of the home on school performance. The project began in 1989 when 5 Illinois schools developed a plan to focus parental involvement on "the curriculum of the home" and integrate these efforts into a…

This Kids Count data book examined trends in the well-being of Oregon's children, focusing on the well-being of children under 8 years. This statistical portrait is based on indicators of child well being in four areas: (1) health, including immunizations, health insurance, and health risk factors; (2) family well-being, including divorce and…

Recommends a broad application of experiential learning and community service projects as a means of reinvigorating social studies and making them relevant. Describes a number of projects from service learning to local history that illustrate this approach. Discusses this approach in terms of benefits, real life application, and assessment. (MJP)

The Guam Education Policy Board initially adopted the Guam Public School System District Action Plan in May 2003. The DAP established the direction and details for improving academic performance in reading, math, and language arts by using the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act as a framework. The adopted DAP was also used as a basis for…

The National Assembly on School-Based Health Care conducted the 2004-05 Census, the tenth count of school-based health centers (SBHCs) since 1986, to: (1) provide a better understanding of the role of SBHCs in meeting the needs of underserved children and adolescents; (2) collect up-to-date data on demographics, staffing services, operations,…

This paper examines the organization, planning, development, and staging of foot races, bicycle races, or multi-event competitions as fund raisers for public or private groups in rural areas. Local businesses often assist in sponsoring such events in order to get free advertising and make money from newcomers drawn to the event. Organizers must be…

Playgrounds should be diverse and flexible so that children have many different opportunities for natural, creative play. Equipment should encourage group activities, challenge children at different levels of development, and enhance physical fitness. Such playgrounds could receive enthusiastic public support. (PP)

Describes an arts and crafts program initiated at Hayden House, a low-income, racially integrated housing development in Phoenix, Arizona. The program, designed to promote pride and community cohesion, presented workshops and cultural events for both children and adults. This article is part of a theme issue on multicultural art. (SJL)

Since 1942, New York's Children's Art Carnival has provided free creative art experiences to the city's children. Sensitive to the needs of some of its underpriviliged clients, it has developed remedial reading, youth employment, and outreach programs. This article is part of a theme issue on multicultural art programs. (SJL)

Describes the Best Village Competition of Trinidad-Tobago, instituted in 1963. Through competitions, concerts, and exhibitions, it has succeeded in involving nearly every resident in programs that fortify local culture, artistic expression, athletic achievement, and public health while promoting national unity. (DM)

Discusses community planning for bicycling programs with emphasis on safety education for children and adults, enforcement of bicycle laws, engineering improvements, and special events. Describes how Olympia improved existing bicycling facilities and summarizes planning, communication, engineering, and policy issues addressed. (SV)

This feature issue focuses on inclusive recreation for persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The articles provide information about the benefits of inclusive recreation for individuals and families, the challenges in attempting to create or access community recreation services that offer inclusive programs, and strategies…