When Canada signed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, all government levels became responsible for adopting and implementing a set of entitlements considered too radical for Americans. Critics claim the Convention subverts absolute parental and institutional authority over children. Implementation problems and progress are…

This article discusses Ontario's new Special Education Grant that provides funding on the school board's total enrollment and on an identified student basis. This new approach to funding was designed to minimize administration, in that only the highest-need students are identified for funding purposes. Implementation issues are examined. (CR)

This case study documents the initial implementation of "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning" that was developed by the American Association of School Librarians in 1998. Discusses introduction of the new guidelines to library media specialists, administrators, and classroom teachers, and describes the collaborative…

Examines how the concepts of service and community might be made to serve the interests of those who are the heart of urban schools: students, their families, and neighborhood residents. The article introduces a model of community schools that is oriented to the inner-directed development of inner-city neighborhoods. (GR)

With a decreasing federal presence, the public library must proactively develop its own presence in the National Information Infrastructure. This article examines current federal policy and new roles for libraries in ensuring connectivity, and offers recommendations for implementing both. Contains a summary of policy initiatives and strategies for…

Colorado Springs (Colorado) School District 11 was the first to offer advertising opportunities via its school buses. This action was taken after new investment policies, self-insurance, contracting out, and salary freezes proved inadequate to offset voters' reluctance to increase taxes. Opposition was limited, due to strong community support and…

Presents a three-year case study of a Chapter 1 Schoolwide Project's (SWP) implementation and effects. The school environment prior to SWP, the program's development, and results are discussed. During the years of SWP status, teacher development, parental involvement, student attendance, and academic achievement all reveal dramatic improvements.…

Describes a culturally specific rites of passage program designed for African American youth in foster care as an adjunct to an independent living program. Presents preliminary evaluative data on this program. Discusses future directions in culturally specific programs. (SNR)

Describes a principal's frustrating, but ultimately successful 3-year effort to convert a Virginia elementary school to a year-round schedule. Now in its third year, the school boasts students with higher standardized test scores, better attendance, and fewer discipline referrals than their traditional-calendar counterparts. (MLH)

The five campuses of Cerro Coso Community College (CA) are located in Mojave Desert country, where many potential students live 100 miles or more from the nearest college site. This document describes lessons learned and accomplishments associated with development of its virtual campus, online courses, and online associate degree programs. (PGS)

Describes elementary and secondary school projects in Victoria, Australia using telematics and interactive television. Provides an overview of telematics management and implementation and discusses lessons learned, professional communication, teaching materials, and future developments. Outlines programs enriching primary school science,…

Describes the successful Kids for Peace movement, which electronically links students from schools around the world in a week of prayer, study and good works. States that a school can register for the pilgrimage by e-mailing the Web site. Highlights the effectiveness of connecting schools via the Internet-it is cost-effective, free to use, and…

Discusses the importance of urban forests and the urban forestry (arboculture) career study certificate program at Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia, which begins in fall 2002. (Contains 19 references.) (NB)

Describes a field-based, post-baccalaureate teacher education program developed by a college of education and the local school district to help meet the shortage of urban teachers. The program offers an intensive route to teacher licensure for people with degrees outside of education, preparing candidates for urban contexts and offering…

Four essays by policy analysts approach programs for school-age children from differing perspectives, each identifying the key forces that influence the policy climate and directions for the future. (Author/SLD)