Despite the proliferation of online homework websites and tutoring services, public libraries still have an important role to play when it comes to supporting young people's educational needs. Public libraries that take a proactive approach--by setting up organized homework centers--have the potential to become catalysts for better performance in…

Each school day, our nation's schools are entrusted to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for approximately 55 million elementary and secondary school students in public and nonpublic schools. In collaboration with their local government and community partners, schools can take steps to plan for these potential emergencies through the…

To stem the tide of students dropping out, many schools and districts are turning to early warning systems (EWS) that signal whether a student is at risk of not graduating from high school. While some research exists about establishing these systems, there is little information about the actual implementation strategies that are being used across…

Service learning has been defined as the integration of service with academic growth. It is a method through which young people learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences. Service learning programs are individualized and unique, and to duplicate one program or to expect the same effects from one…

This article describes the "block home" program, neighborhood volunteers who provide a place of refuge when children encounter an emergency as they walk to and from school. Organization, purpose, and guidelines for planning and implementation are discussed. (IAH)

Guidelines are offered to schools and communities for developing activities of a yearly Deaf Awareness Week. Topics covered should include general information about deafness; common myths and misunderstandings; information about sign languages; technologies available to deaf people; interpreting; and interaction among deaf and hearing students.…

This guide was developed to aid school administrators and school board members in leading the planning for a community approach to combat alcohol and drug abuse. It highlights critical aspects of the abuse problem among students in New York and explains the rationale for a cooperative planning effort by the school, the home, and the community. It…

These materials are designed to help concerned people develop and improve the quality of business and economic education programming in their community school system. Cooperative curriculum planning and community resource sharing should involve professional educators and community members in order to obtain the broadest possible consensus for…

To help Georgia school administrators, educators, and community members, this handbook suggests ideas and plans for strengthening school-community relations and increasing community involvement in schools. The first section lays out the four steps district administrators should take in developing a systemwide community involvement program,…

The implementation guide for special education administrators and teachers provides a review and synthesis of programing in experienced based career education (EBCE) for the handicapped, describes exemplary programs, and gives implementation guidelines. The first chapter provides background information, an overview, and summaries of legislation…

This guide, in two sections, emphasizes a community-based, school-focused collaborative approach to preventing youth suicide in Wisconsin. Cooperative school district and community agency endeavors frame the approach. The following three-part philosophy undergirds it: First, youth suicide is a community problem requiring a community solution best…

This sourcebook has been compiled for educators in museums and schools who are interested in learning of ways in which their colleagues from cultural and educational institutions have worked together. Over 50 programs are described. Emphasis is on the collaborative effort rather than the resulting program. The following questions are answered: Why…

Mentoring programs enrich children's lives, help meet their need for positive adult contact, and provide one-on-one support and advocacy. Positive mentoring experiences have proved to be an effective tool to help youth overcome the risk factors that can lead to problems such as educational failure, dropping out of school, and involvement in…

Described is the career education approach used in the Savona, New York, school system, which includes a five-part career education planning model. Broader-based community efforts in career education provide the framework within which school programs are developed. (CT)

The school dropout rate is a problem which educators cannot solve alone. It will take a total societal effort to design solutions. This document presents the ideas and strategies discussed at a conference on dropout prevention attended by leaders of national education organizations. Theoretical as well as practical suggestions are given to begin…