Data collected in 1977 from 992 households in 37 fast-growing nonmetropolitan counties in the Upper Great Lakes Region show that newcomers over time tend to become as involved in their new communities as the oldtimers and socioeconomic status positively affects levels of formal community participation for both migrants and residents. (LC)

Discusses an Arkansas State law that required balanced treatment of creationism and evolution in the study of human origins. Describes arguments for and against the law as presented at a courtroom trial in which it was decided that the law was unconstitutional, and that creationism had no legitimate educational purpose. (Author/MJL)

Reviews research on the politics of education at the school site level in three areas: public participation in decision making, allocation of scarce resources, and resolution of actual or potential conflict. Suggests future directions for research. (Author/JM)

Identified persons who actively direct and influence the positive evolution of others by acting upon the environment. Selected individuals on the basis of service to the community and matched them with a comparison group. A comparative analysis indicated differences in education and personality characteristics in the selected "autoevolutionary"…

Describes the efforts of women of the Cree-Ojibway Nation in Northern Canada to increase their participation in the development of their communities. Outlines a proposal for participatory research that will develop a picture of community status and needs from the women's perspective. (SK)

Discusses adult and continuing education programs in the public school district and the use of these programs to engender community support for the school in passing school budgets. Gives examples of efforts in Scotia-Glenville Central Schools, Scotia, New York: various evening classes, career guidance services, and teacher in-service credit…

The author proposes a tax target plan by which taxpayers could earmark their payments to the local public school of their choice. Several levels of this plan are described and feasibility and costs discussed. (SJL)

Presents a forum in which students can voice their concerns about the future to community decision makers. A plan is suggested for organizing a Children's Hearing through one school or a collaborative effort of several schools. Steps include data gathering and organization, analysis and synthesis, preparation for the hearing, and the hearing…

Service learning in higher education can be a powerful method of citizen education, by building students' concrete civic skills in the areas of intellectual understanding, communication and problem solving, and civic attitudes of judgment and imagination. A basic condition is that broad definitions of service and citizenship be assumed, and used…

Reports results from a study of service-learning activities at North Carolina community colleges. Indicates that community colleges supported similar types of activities as the state's universities, but did so at much lower levels. Provides case studies of the two community colleges that ranked the highest in service-learning support. The survey…

Critiques the 1994 curriculum standards by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), "Expectation of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies," stating that there is a need for revised standards. Focuses on three main criticisms of the NCSS social studies standards. (CMK)

Studies suggest that urban residents in low-income and minority communities are subject to an unequal amount of environmental pollution and inequitable enforcement practices. Projects such as Sustainable Cleveland show that key components of implementing policies are access to Internet-based information and participation community-based…

This article discusses cooperation between parents, family members, and professionals in advocacy efforts on behalf of students with emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. Tips for parent-advocates and experiences of statewide parent networks are offered, as well as lessons and potential pitfalls experienced by professionals. (PB)

Providing housing and supports for people with psychiatric disabilities, particularly those who are homeless, is a major public policy challenge. Summarizes ways in which the concept of these needs is rapidly shifting in the mental health field. This population is increasingly seen as capable of full-community participation and integration. (AF)

Advocates role playing for teaching a unit on the legislative branch of government. Students were divided into political parties, sat on committees, and produced legislation. Concludes that experiencing the governmental process enhances citizen participation. (GG)