Explains the need for family literacy programs in Illinois and describes efforts to improve adult and child literacy. Topics discussed include poverty; reading, writing, and computing instruction; interaction between parents and children; families and books; partnerships between state agencies, private organizations, and public libraries; and…

Advantages of school-community partnerships in developing rural transitional programs for disabled students include informal community politics that provide opportunities for educational support, accessibility of nonschool personnel, acquaintanceship of parents, strong rural work ethic, and easy identification of community resources. Provides…

This paper reviews intervention programs developed to combat the phenomenon of gifted and talented females becoming at risk for academic underachievement at the onset of adolescence, especially in math and science. The programs described encourage nontraditional career choices, report changes in attitude toward math/science, and report improved…

In light of the articles in this issue, this article discusses the role that language planning plays in the building of communities and nations, focusing on American Indian language and bilingual education. Also examined is the impact of the Native American Languages Act on the maintenance of indigenous language and cultural resources. (four…

Presents a case study of the Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Program (EDAP) at the University of Pittsburgh (Johnstown, PA). Discusses the role of librarians and libraries; objectives of the workshop series; industry, client, and competitor information; and the development and conceptual framework of EDAP. (AEF)

Summarizes four projects that attempt to use cultural resources for instruction, each in a unique way. Suggests that these projects serve as catalysts to challenge the status quo by creating conditions and activities for novel uses of literacy. Highlights the important mediating functions of literacy, especially in two languages, in helping…

A high school/college teacher and a college senior who had recently completed student teaching conducted a pilot project at a local college. They created a program that would let student teachers begin designing secondary level courses as they took similar college courses. The article describes the project planning and results. (SM)

Conceptualization and implementation of a program to train university teaching assistants at McGill University (Quebec) are described. The systematic approach to program development included needs assessment, planning and implementation, and evaluation. The relationship between various levels of the institution and the way in which they have…

Examined effective relationships of parents, educators, and children by identifying quality care and education for children under 5 in a range of educational, social services, voluntary, and private establishments. Found four categories of practice that contributed to effective relationships, including educator-parent and educator-child…

This article describes the evolution of the graduate-level teacher preparation program in early childhood education at the University of Colorado. The current program blends early childhood regular and special education to prepare students for roles in inclusive early childhood environments. Process variables in program change are identified.…

Design and implementation of supplemental instruction (SI), a combination of content review and training in study strategies for students in high-risk courses, are discussed. The context here is college-level mathematics instruction. It is noted that SI in mathematics may require more structure than in some other content areas. (MSE)

Summarizes outcomes of the 1994 international conference, "Issues Affecting Rural Communities," held in Townsville, Australia. The aim of the conference was to identify major issues in health, education, and community development, and to explore possibilities of applying international and interdisciplinary perspectives to the remediation…

Describes specific steps found to be effective in developing and implementing an outcomes system. Discusses ways to establish a foundation for such an effort, how to develop a model, considerations in data collection and reporting, and procedures for installing an outcomes system. Urges others to adopt outcome-focused education. (RJM)

A spirit of belonging is the most significant factor in Native American identity and is supported by many cultural values with relevance for community organizing. Describes a community development approach for Native Americans based on community organization, cultural enhancement, and self-determination principles within a context of alcohol and…

A national children's gardening symposium was held August 12-14, 1993, to enable educators of grades K through 8 to begin or improve gardening programs for children. Discusses some of the conference results and describes 12 model gardens for both recreational and educational purposes at school, backyard, and community sites. (LZ)