Extension of contract scope has influenced local educational policy in two ways. It has decreased control by politically accountable officials, and it has created a potential roadblock to political responsiveness towards inner-city community groups. (JN)

The independent sector is seen as a powerful and positive force in our national life because of its freedom from constraints, its pluralism, its environment for innovation, home for nonmajoritarian ideas, stimulus to individual initiative, opportunities for participation, role as an instrument of community, etc. (Author/MLW)

Describes and illustrates a new method, derived from social judgment theory, that enhances the quality of communication between the public and its representatives. (RL)

Brief notes on design processes in general, and the way they may be applied to the problem of under-used school buildings. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the arguments for and against expanded public participation in educational policy making and considers examples of several forms of public participation drawn from the U.S., France, Italy, England, Sweden, the German Federal Republic, and the People's Republic of China. Also explores some of the probable consequences of expanded public…

The effectiveness of any recreation and park organization depends upon the involvement, cooperation and work of many individual citizens and groups. (JD)

The challenge of educating a committed citizenry is to change the societal and university paradigm from a strategy of competitiveness to one of collaboration, from a perspective of scarcity to one of sufficiency and inclusion, and from a search for expedient solutions to one that engages and commits to values and a way of life. (Author/MSE)

This article suggests that in college community service programs, it is widely assumed that community refers to groups off campus, and primarily or exclusively to those who have been identified as needing assistance. A more flexible and inclusive concept of community, including the campus community itself, is urged. A central issue discussed is…

Drawing lessons from the rise and fall of Philadelphia's reform efforts offers the benefit of hindsight to other cities. The engagement of stakeholders from different sectors of the community is crucial to the success of a reform. (Contains 18 references.) (Author/MLF)

Examines a theoretical framework of research organized by human, social, and identity capital. Reports results from two large-scale longitudinal datasets. Focuses on four outcome clusters: (1) health; (2) well-being; (3) social attitudes; and (4) political involvement. Concludes that education is an absolute prerequisite for promotion of personal…

To help students make personal connections to nature and environmental problems, teachers should find out their students' favorite outdoor places and activities, then incorporate student experiences with nature into environmental lessons. Such strategies will allow children to develop ownership and personal motivations related to the future of the…

Describes the attempts of a bicycle-user group in Brisbane to generate a framework for action to bring about transport change. The framework integrates the theory of ecological public health with the practice of urban environmental education. (DDR)

This article discusses the implications of a follow-up study of 56 people who had lived on average for 22 years in an institution. The study found the majority had made few community connections eight years after leaving the institution. The concept of social alienation of difference is explored. (Contains references.) (CR)

A study involving 670 nonabusive families and 166 abusive families compared Spanish and Colombian cultures in relation to community social support variables and the relationships between these variables and child maltreatment. In both cultures, abusive parents showed lower levels of community integration, participation in social activities, and…

Provides a lesson that focuses on the history of voter representation in the United States. Explains that students will read, "Whose Voice Is Heard,""How Should U.S. Elections Be Managed?," and other student handouts in this issue of "Insights on Law and Society." (CMK)