This final report describes the activities and outcomes of OPTICA (Our Path Together Initiating Cultural Access) programs. For each program an information sheet indicates the goal, total participation, status of the goal, and activities of the program. Programs included: (1) Hands On: ASL Creative Story Telling, a program that used children's…

This issue brief considers how to involve English language learners in community-connected learning, a set of strategies to engage young people in learning experiences beyond the classroom. Such strategies include internships at work sites, and project-based learning in classrooms. In successful community-connected learning strategies, students…

This publication presents information compiled from early childhood projects funded by the Office of Special Education Programs on resources that support the inclusion of children with special needs and their families in regular educational or community environments. These 113 resources can be used for a variety of purposes, including inservice…

This handbook, which is intended to assist staff at Neighborhood Networks centers who are responsible for helping unemployed or low-income individuals make the transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency, outlines a 13-step approach to the design and delivery of job readiness programs. The handbook may be used as a guide to direct…

This publication outlines the complete community networking process: planning, developing partnerships, funding, marketing, content, public access, and evaluation, and discusses the variety of roles that the local public library can play in this process. Chapter One, "The Importance of Community Networking," describes the importance of community…

These 13 issues of the Children's Defense Fund Report from 1997 discuss concerns related to child advocacy and provide information on problems in children's lives in the United States. Regular features include the editorial column "A Voice for Children," a status report on federal legislation related to children, descriptions of…

This report is one of several North Carolina Community College System accountability measures designed to report on critical success factors. Critical success factors are those issues that are instrumental for an institution to prosper and accomplish its goals. The data presented in this report are indicators of the "health" of the…

These five newsletters comprise volume 20 of "CDF Reports." They discuss concerns related to child advocacy and provide information on problems in children's lives in the United States. Regular features include the editorial column "A Voice for Children"; a status report on federal legislation related to children; descriptions…

Five million young people--1 out of every 4 in the country--are without constructive occupation at school, work, or home. An examination of 1930 United States Census and Federal Office of Education figures, brought up to date by sampling studies in various communities, discloses that--Of the 20,100 000, 16 to 24 years of age, inclusive, in the…

Compares the history and current status of deinstitutionalization efforts for the mentally ill, criminal offenders, and the aged. Suggests that ideologies for all three groups are similar, but that practices have diverged. Points out that ideologies frequently distort perceptions of practice. (Author/MJL)

School counselors often must decide if they can help a client or if they should refer him to another community agency. The counselor may act as interpreter, negotiator, advocate, advisor or educator in helping individuals who seek access to community services. (JAC)

Examines findings of a nationwide survey of community colleges conducted to identify the cooperative arrangements which exist between local colleges and community and business organizations. Provides tables grouping findings by name and nature of the cooperating agency and indicating the average number of persons served per cooperative…

Introduces the range of goals that service learning promises to achieve, noting specific principles that can help meet those goals. Information is based on a six-year study of experiential education combining academic and field research. A conceptual framework for organizing the planning, development, and evaluation of service and experiential…

The content, skills, pedagogy, and structure that should guide the design of service learning curricula for citizenship education are examined. For service learning to teach youth about their responsibilities as citizens in a democratic society, content and strategies must model and support democratic principles. (SM)

Outlines the efforts of the National Endowment for the Arts' Chamber Music Rural Residencies (CMRR) program. The program seeks to educate and develop audiences for classical music in urban and rural areas. Discusses many of the classical orchestras and ensembles that the CMRR supports throughout the country. (MJP)