The author talks about a vision of a "learning community" that is currently being trialled in 26 testbeds in England. As the first learning community testbeds develop across England, the author looks at some of the early issues that are emerging from the first few months of activity. The issues identified have emerged from early…

This article features the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools. Social studies educators emphasize the civic mission of schools, and the need to provide students with citizenship education of the highest quality. As National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) members are well aware, the focus of recent educational reforms has…

This brief provides highlights from "Advancing Achievement: Findings from an Independent Evaluation of a Major After-School Initiative." The brief underscores the potential of after-school programs in the ongoing drive to advance children's academic achievement. It shines a light on some of the issues that matter most for programs striving to…

MDC's mission is to help organizations and communities close the gaps that separate people from opportunity. The organization has been working to create positive change in disadvantaged communities for 40 years--by conducting research and demonstrating effective programs at the community level. MDC focuses on three areas: education, economic and…

Since the 1970s, the share of U.S. children growing up in single-parent families has doubled, a trend that has disproportionately affected disadvantaged families. Paul Amato and Rebecca Maynard argue that reversing that trend would reduce poverty in the short term and, perhaps more important, improve children's growth and development over the long…

During the summer of 2006, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and union officials announced that the Pico Union area of East Los Angeles would soon be home to the Belmont Zone of Choice (BZC). The BZC encompasses the Belmont High School attendance area and will include up to 10 Belmont Pilot Schools, each with a targeted enrollment of 400…

This article reviews approaches for developing comprehensive strategies that stop violence before initial perpetration occurs. Using feminist theory and public health perspectives as its foundation, the use of educational sessions, community mobilization, social norms, social marketing, and policy work are all explored. (Contains 1 table.)

This report provides an evaluation of the efforts each state and the District of Columbia are making to provide nutritious summer meals to children of low-income families. The evolution of the Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP), created by Congress in 1968 to provide funds for eligible sponsoring organizations to serve meals to…

This book provides a framework for developing community-based family support initiatives in public housing. After describing the historical and present contexts of this approach, the book details principles and key elements. Profiles are presented for eight organizations, all working in public housing, but with different strategies and emphases:…

Research shows a clear link between drug and alcohol use and crime and violence. This report describes progress made in 1993 as a result of New York State's anti-drug abuse agenda and priorities for 1994. Efforts exist in three complementary areas: prevention (preventing people from being involved in substance abuse); treatment (treating those who…

On the assumption that fathers have been relatively absent from family support programs, this publication of the Family Resource Coalition addresses the role of fathers in family support programs, examines the impact of fathers on their children, and describes programs involving fathers successfully. Articles include: (1) "What's Behind the…

A 1-year project at Amarillo College developed an associate degree program to train certified realtime caption writers so that they could pass the examination for certification for realtime caption reporting for persons who are deaf. During the project the following actions were taken: (1) curricular materials previously completed and approved…

This document consists or the six issues of the Family Resource Coalition's newsletter "Connection" published in 1995. These newsletter issues explore matters pertaining to family support and related programs. Featured articles are as follows: (January-February) "Board Approves Long-Range Plan, Reaffirms FRC's [Family Resource…

Like other states, Idaho faces increasing numbers of youth considered at risk for becoming a detriment to society. Some communities are looking to the arts as a way to help young people channel their energies positively. In 1993 and 1994, the Idaho Commission on the Arts wanted to test the idea that artists working with first-time juvenile…

Guidelines that will help individual communities reach the sixth National Education Goal are provided in this document. The goal states that by the year 2000, every American school will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. Five stages in achieving safe and drug-free schools are outlined: (1)…