In contrast to the traditional model of diffusion from the top down, an information-seeking model focuses on the individual who is looking for a source to meet an information need. The change agent's role involves organizing the community and assisting in finding information sources. (SK)

Previous research into the community innovation process has tended to emphasize either intercommunity communication or local socioeconomic and political factors. This article incorporates both sets of factors in an analysis of urban renewal, public housing, automated data processing by local municipalities, and public water fluoridation.…

If schools are to be professionally responsive to and accountable to their clients, each school must have some control over decisions affecting its particular student body. These include decisions in the areas of policy, curriculum, staffing, facilities, resources (and related finances), evaluation processes, and participation in system-level…

Sheds light on a growing conflict that has surfaced between urban communities and teachers' unions: the conflict over the sharing of power in school decision making. Discusses the actions of the Philadelphia Parents Union. (Author/IRT)

A vast number of different types of citizens' groups participate in the educational process with differing degrees of involvement. Besides school-oriented groups, there are child advocacy and neighborhood associations, other citizens groups that have broad concerns but are in part interested in schools, and the advisory committees created by legal…