The Community Action Scholars Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee provides education and training in organizational design and leadership to grassroots organizations and neighborhood residents. Insights drawn and lessons learned about university-community collaboration during this experience have the ultimate goal of empowering…

A self-evaluation training package consisting of goal-setting, self-monitoring, and self-evaluation of work productivity was implemented with four adult males with developmental disabilities enrolled in a community-based restaurant program. Each trainee's work productivity improved for each task as a function of the self-evaluation training…

Living history and hands-on interpretation enable educators to capitalize on the curiosity, sensory needs, and creative enthusiasm of young students. However, objective evaluation in terms of measurable outcomes may be difficult. Suggestions are offered for linking curricular needs with personal growth by creating an atmosphere that promotes…

This article reviews policy developments in deinstitutionalization and community inclusion in North America, specifically the United States. It begins with a critique of the continuum concept and the associated principle of the least restrictive environment. Past and current controversies surrounding deinstitutionalization are then examined.…

A review of 33 studies of residential service outcomes found that almost all of the studies found statistically significant increases in overall adaptive behavior scores associated with deinstitutionalization of individuals with mental retardation. Three studies reported statistically significant improvements in challenging behavior associated…

Describes the "Partners in Reading" project, which pairs adults from the community with eighth-grade students to read books together and journal together. Describes how the program has grown. Details the many positive reading/writing outcomes for students and for participating adults, how students feel more connected to adults in the community,…

Presents a case study of an educational partnership between an Albuquerque magnet elementary school and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Descriptions of the school and museum are provided as well as the program's goals, current activities and products, outcomes, and future directions. The Proyecto Futuro program, a multiyear…

Describes a unified, statewide effort to increase outreach activities targeted to ethnic minority families with a demented relative. Provides data demonstrating the effectiveness of these programs. (SNR)

Effects of project participation were evaluated at two Johannesburg sites of "Growing Up in Cities"--a project that involves children in documenting and improving urban environments. Survey responses of participating children and their parents revealed increased awareness of the environment and community needs, better communication…

Provides an example of how engagement with a public entity is incorporated into Portland State University's undergraduate curriculum. Details the development of a science-based service learning course that combines academic rigor with a community-based experience. (EV)

A study investigated how positive behavior support was experienced and understood by team members (n=19) from four residential, community-based teams who achieved positive outcomes for adults with severe challenging behaviors. Findings from the study depict an overall culture of support consisting of interrelated layers of social context.…

Examines a failed effort at university-community collaboration among three community-based organizations and the University of South Florida. Explores the dynamics of the interaction, analyzing the roles played by the competing goals and conflicting decision-making procedures of each party. Offers guidelines for universities seeking to establish…

A study examined parent and caregiver perceptions of educational opportunities for 17 students with severe disabilities in an inclusive high school and 27 students with severe disabilities in a high school that focused on community-based programs. Results indicate that interview participants supported inclusive schools and believed children were…

Innovative solutions to local problems in Appalachia were highlighted at the 1999 Ideas That Work conference. Presentation summaries focus on computer literacy and access to computers for middle school students, collaborative services for preschool children, youth programs, motivating students to attend college, training and technical assistance…

The Rediscovery foundation provides advice and training to Native American and other indigenous communities for establishing and operating wilderness camps to rediscover their ancient ways and connection with the land. Describes a 2-week camping trip in British Columbia with members of the Nuxhalk Nation during which they established a new…