As educational leader of the school, the principal must take the initiative to develop strong community support through a public contact system and through the accurate assessment of student needs. (LH)

Provides guidelines to involve the entire community in a successful reading fair, based on procedures followed in Newport News, Virginia. (RL)

A review of recent sex education literature is presented in an attempt to integrate observations and recommendations related to both program development and innovation acceptance. A Developmental Research and Utilization Model is employed to systematically guide planning, implementation, evaluation, advocacy, and institutionalization. Curriculum…

Identifies unique problems associated with developing gifted programs in rural schools. Makes suggestions to administrators concerning proper emphasis on program planning, sensitivity during the identification procedures, financial and transportation difficulties, and fostering community support. 8 references. (SV)

This volume focuses on four North Carolina school systems that have developed strategies for improving teaching and learning environments in arts education. Article 1 discusses the challenge of providing adequate levels of visual arts instruction for exceptional children in Dare County and describes a specific art project for handicapped students…

Briefly discusses no-plan approach and linear approach to school district computer involvement and suggests contingency planning approach is better. Components of this approach--conducting situation audit of internal and external environments, generating within-district support, formulating district-wide policies, and developing an ongoing…

Focusing on a high school agricultural cooperative education program, the author presents guidelines for supervisory visits and for the selection of good training stations. The benefits of cooperative programs to the student, community, school, and employer are listed. (LRA)

Focused on the practical tools that education leaders can use to improve communications with their own colleagues, with parents, and with the general public, this guide can be used by school districts and states to organize their communication efforts strategically to build public support. The guide includes step-by-step information to develop a…

The manual focuses on the development of a school-level home/school information system to improve communication and understanding of special education programs. A step-by-step plan for developing such a system is addressed in terms of five major topics (sample subtopics in parentheses): basic information gathering (surveys and needs assessment),…

This second volume of a two-volume manual provides a structure for the analysis of the design of cooperative education and the implementation of the design in terms of the 49 key elements of cooperative education. It is intended for use by persons responsible for cooperative education at state and local levels. Volume II is the heart of the…

Since 1975 the Contoocook Valley District, a small rural cooperative school district in southwestern New Hampshire, has developed a performance-based student competency program which has resulted in a dramatic increase in scores on the Stanford Achievement Test. The district is comprised of 9 towns, covers an area of almost 300 square miles, and…

Rural gifted programs should be developed by the consumers in rural communities and should focus on the needs and strengths of the community. The unique aspects of rural schools should be used to develop defensible community-based programs. General gifted education procedures, such as developing peer groups and psychologically secure environments,…

Through efforts of concerned, knowledgeable, and culturally aware individuals, recreational programs which may help the special needs of Native Americans can be designed and implemented. Knowledge of tribal similarities and differences, cultural values, diverse life-styles, tribal beliefs, socioeconomic status, and leisure pursuits is paramount in…

A study of Michigan's Copper Country Intermediate School District was undertaken to identify ways nine small secondary schools with declining enrollments could increase educational opportunities for students by cooperative sharing. The 6-month study included analyzing data on each school, identifying factors which might constrain cooperative…

This guide explains the phases of the career education program at Great Mills High School (Maryland) as a means of helping other schools and school systems to initiate similar programs. Based on 4 years of experience at Great Mills High School, the guide provides career education activities for the 9th through 12th grades. The activities include…