Our research evaluates the effectiveness of a community musical learning exchange (MLE) that included group singing, guided conversations, and reflection. The respondents (N = 290) who participated in the MLE included members of the Soweto Gospel Choir (n = 17), Soweto Gospel Choir Crew (n = 3), prison choir incarcerated singers (n = 41), prison…

This report describes characteristics of the 11 model SEL schools in AISD and compares them to nonmodel SEL schools.

Person-centered planning is a well known and widely used approach to individual program planning in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its purpose is to develop collaborative supports focused on community presence, community participation, positive relationships, respect, and competence. Because there is little research on…

Study Design: A systematic review of the literature. Objectives: To describe which environmental factors have an impact on community participation of persons with an intellectual disability. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for the period of 1996-2006 in Pubmed, CINAHL and PSYCINFO. Search terms were derived from the…

Discusses the challenges of teacher retention and proposes that systems thinking can be used to address those challenges. Considers five strategies for retaining teachers. Suggests that the five strategies discussed can provide comprehensive programs to reduce teacher attrition and create stable teacher teams. (SG)

Background: This study provides an overview of empirical research on the effectiveness of quality-enhancing interventions for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). Method: Through computerised searches of the PsycINFO and ERIC databases, and using several search criteria specifically relating to the target group and…

This booklet describes some of the conflicts new programs are likely to face. It then presents techniques and processes that can help managers and staff resolve conflicts and build broad support for their project. As a special focus, the booklet describes five "principles of interdependence" that help the project managers and staff and…

There is considerable literature to indicate that mentoring relationships support the healthy development of children and youth by reducing risky behaviors, and the number of mentoring programs has increased dramatically in recent years. This California Research Bureau report examines the research literature evaluating the effectiveness of…

Researchers and policymakers are increasingly interested in the issue of school accountability. Despite this, program standards for afterschool programs are not as fully developed as they are in other fields. This study bridges that gap and presents the results from a study that identifies benchmarks and indicators for high quality afterschool…

Since 1981, five Kursushuis ("course house") programs for delinquent youth have been established in the Netherlands. Although similar in many ways to Achievement Place (AP) programs, Kursushuis programs differ from AP programs in that they place fewer children in a course house and use a social competence model that allows task-specific…

A community volunteer program was developed for Miami Southridge Adult Education Center in Dade County, Florida. The program was designed to serve a variety of needs, including providing remedial training for students preparing to take the General Educational Development examination, providing supervisory and tutorial services for the children of…

An examination of hundreds of studies on the use of volunteers in mentoring programs, service programs, and local community change initiatives highlight the importance of screening, training, and volunteer management. Each year, more than 90 million Americans contribute more than 20 billion volunteer hours. Personal benefits of volunteering…