This paper describes the efforts of educators in communities nationwide to engage the public in teaching and learning activities, specifically in support of teacher professional development. Though there is no single model for positive public engagement, there are general principles, which include: finding an entry point (e.g., finding key…

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has designated the week of September 17-21, 2001, as "Back to School Week." During this week, state legislators from throughout the country are encouraged by NCSL to contact principals and teachers in their respective districts and arrange for classroom visits to help students…

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has designated the week of September 17-21, 2001, as "Back to School Week." During this week, state legislators from throughout the country are encouraged by NCSL to contact principals and teachers in their respective districts and arrange for classroom visits to help students…

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has designated the week of September 17-21, 2001, as "Back to School Week." During this week, state legislators from throughout the country are encouraged by NCSL to contact principals and teachers in their respective districts and arrange for classroom visits to help students…

Civic education is essential to sustaining constitutional democracy. Each new generation presents a new group of people who must acquire the knowledge, learn the skills, and develop the disposition or traits of private and public character that undergird a constitutional democracy. Citizenship training means teaching students to think critically,…

A literature review was conducted to define technological literacy and its implications for the role of education in preparing citizens in a participatory democracy, as consumers and family members, for employment, and in the spiritual/philosophical dimensions of life as they relate to our conceptions of technology. A definition of technological…

Presents short essays by 20 persons who are each intimately involved with some phase of community education. Vignettes range from single-frame pictures of community education in action to editorials and statements of philosophy. (Author/JH)

Employs a systems analysis framework to categorize the available research literature on the politics of education and draws future research suggestions from this analysis. (JF)

With a presidential election only one year away, now is the time for educators and educational researchers to become acquainted with and involved in legislative and policy initiatives that can improve education. (GC)

Describes several cases in which microcomputers were used to prevent large organizations (e.g., utility companies, U.S. Government Forestry Commission) from carrying out actions considered not to be in the public's best interests. The use of the computers by social activitists in their efforts to halt environmental destruction is discussed. (EAO)

A graduate survey (n=575) of alumni vocational achievement, acceptance of responsibility in social groups, and further intellectual development was related to undergraduate grades. The only significant finding was an inverse relationship with involvement in community activities among males. (Author/PN)

Court intervention in school facility utilization decisions after school closure in the Saint Louis (Missouri) Public School District has resulted in: (1) new decision-making criteria; (2) greater public involvement in decision making; (3) greater coordination of data sources and decision makers; (4) more school conversions; (5) more closures; and…

Presents a case study of a heavy oil project proposed by Esso Resources Canada Limited at Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada. Focuses on the approval process, environmental and social impact assessments, and public participation. Evaluates the case and makes recommendations concerning the approval process. (DC)

The article summarizes the changes in public education that have resulted from 15 years of legislated citizen participation in education in Quebec. The article includes comments and conclusions based on the Quebec experience. (SB)

To fight school vandalism, a community should set up a broad-based committee for vandalism prevention. The committee might consider setting up a vandalism hotline, installing silent alarms in schools, increasing exterior school lighting and police surveillance, correcting vandalism quickly, and publicizing their efforts and the results.…