Discusses the history and philosophy of the premise of rural localism from Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty to its present relationship to the New Federalism of the Reagan administration. Concludes that the concept and its consequences should be reexamined by those in the rural social work profession. (Author/BRR)

Applying the concept of "neighborhood effects" to education in a federal state such as Canada permits the argument for federal presence in public schooling. Includes four sets of examples of neighborhood effects that meet criteria specified for federal action. Notes five differences between Canadian and American public education.…

The little town of Benson, Vermont, set a national record by voting down its proposed school budget 12 times. This paper reviews the facts leading up to the situation, providing the Benson residents' point of view, which was that they did not regard the system as their own and they felt that taxpayers' money was being wasted by the system. (SM)

Discusses the use of video technology and community, or narrowcast, television in developing countries, particularly Africa. The importance of the media in improving communication between people and their government is emphasized, and the political, social and technical problems involved are described. (Author/LRW)

Suggests a strategy for sustainable living that stresses the need for both national support and international cooperation. Proposes that the goal of creating a "sustainable society" includes improvement in the quality of human life and conservation of the Earth's vitality and diversity. (MCO)

Control over a broad range of programs is being shifted back to state and local jurisdictions. Based on focus groups, interviews, and surveys of those who live in or represent organizations with a strong interest in rural America, this report highlights the concerns of rural communities towards these changing intergovernmental relations.…

Examines the relationship between centralization and public education. Suggests that compulsory schooling is key to the increasingly centralized and "managed" nature of society and that the nationalization of schooling has undermined individual rights to liberty and democracy. Advocates that communities be responsible for their children and for…

Argues that local school districts in California have been rendered essentially obsolete by state funding and control due to the combined effects of the "Serrano" decision (requiring statewide school expenditure equalization) and Proposition 13. One board president and two superintendents take issue with this judgment. (TE)

Canadian government welfare agencies are taking Canadian Indian children from their parents in alarming numbers and endangering their cultural and social development. Most of the children are placed in non-native homes, resulting in identity crises leading to alcoholism and other social problems. This is a serious trend. The survival of Indian…

Collected in this volume are the papers presented at the 1978 Chief State School Officers Summer Institute. The program was devoted to political issues in education and focused on a number of current educational problems. Political issues were discussed in relation to a number of areas, including federal education priorities, federal-state…