At the Center for the Study of Local Issues, at Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, Maryland, students participate in research and development activities dealing with issues that have an impact on the local community. The emergence, structure, and activities of the center are described. (Author/RM)

Findings from examination of the decision process used when deinstitutionalizing mentally retarded persons revealed that demographic and Adaptive Behavior Scale measures varied significantly with placement recommendations for skill development homes, group homes, small intermediate facilities, and large intermediate facilities. In general, higher…

A science research program in Ohio using community laboratories and personnel offers gifted high school students the chance to become involved with scientists in a variety of research experiences. Cooperation between community based staff and program staff is critical. Results of the six-year program have been very favorable. (CL)

Describes the SOS (Sharing Our Selves) learning Network, which is a made-for-extension system of community learning. Elements of the network are discussed: (1) community learning and development activities, (2) community resource index, and (3) cost effectiveness. (CT)

A home economics education system is described which provides an organized method of examining present offerings, exploring innovative ideas for the future, identifying community and student needs, and locating resources for implementation as well as for assessment. Includes a section on where to find money resources. (CT)

San Francisco sculptor Ruth Asawa discusses her own artistic development and describes the Alvarado Arts Workshop, a community-based arts education program begun by herself, other parents, and community leaders in the San Francisco schools. (Author/SJL)

The government of Botswana has undertaken a variety of actions, from the incorporation of special preventive programs in the basic health service to the establishment of an interministerial National Council for the Handicapped. Journal availability: see EC 133 861. (Author)

A merger of school and community programs provides a more comprehensive and realistic approach to health education. (LH)

A school-based fluoride program promises to decrease the amount of dental decay among elementary school children. (JD)

Relative to controls, crisis workers have consistently higher apprehension about their own mortality. Significance for selection and training of suicide counselors is noted. (Author)

The study examined the behavior of four retarded adults before and after moving from an institution to community living arrangements. (Author/SBH)

A short-term intensive alcoholism education program can effectively prepare members of Spanish-speaking ethnic groups to treat community members who have drinking problems. (JD)

Discusses an ideal way to have every citizen, school board member, and administrator spend a day or two learning what goes on in the music classroom. (Author/RK)

Outcomes evaluation of community partnerships to prevent substance abuse poses many methodological challenges. The nine articles of this special section illustrate the variety of approaches evaluators have taken to studies that are often complicated because of small sample size. (SLD)

The growth of the Children, Youth and Families At Risk National Initiative into a base program was charted through a survey documenting changes in 22 participating states' ability to develop and sustain programs. Data from 1997-1998 and 2000-2001 reveal gains in four of six components: statewide commitment, individuals' understanding of states'…