A family-focused approach to schools and community service requires acknowledging the central role families play in children's well-being, shifting the roles of service institutions to reflect this, and creating community supports that assist families. Implementing this approach requires time for understanding and partnership. (SLD)

Suggests ways to desegregate education programs for the gifted and to redress inequities in gifted education. The usefulness of contemporary definitions of giftedness, theories of intelligence, and assessment practices in identifying gifted students are discussed. Retaining African Americans in gifted programs is also considered. (SLD)

Profiles individual projects in six school districts across the country participating in the School-Community Connection initiative funded by the Institute for Responsive Education. These projects focus on school improvement through partnerships among schools, parents, and the community. Rural and urban elementary and secondary schools are…

Organizing a committed team to foster effective school-community partnerships is discussed, focusing on the critical role of leadership. Collaborative leadership, comprised of diverse members and different perspectives, is most successful. A list of qualities and skills that are necessary for collaborative leaders is provided. (LAJ)

Describes an interdisciplinary transition model currently used in rural Wisconsin for special needs students that links vocational assessment, Individualized Education Plan development, program placement, instructional support, exit transition conferences, and postschool followup. Stresses collaboration among students, parents, educators, and…

A primary care preceptorship was successfully incorporated into the University of Michigan medical school's third-year curriculum. Key components included agreement across primary care specialties on goals and objectives, involvement of community practitioners, frequent communication with preceptors, active feedback to preceptors, and thorough…

Examines the myths surrounding the introduction of native language instruction in American Indian communities. Despite the concerns of many parents, such instruction does not "hold back" students, and in fact empowers them to succeed in school. Parent-community involvement is essential for dispelling myths and for reinforcement of the…

This paper discusses theoretical issues surrounding the creation of new departments at universities and presents a case study of how the Institute for Media and Communication at Oslo University (Norway) was created. It examines the effects of status, resource allocation, and power relations on the creation of university departments. (MDM)

Describes the development and implementation of a successful K-8 science program in Chelsea (Massachusetts) public elementary and junior high schools with help from Boston University (Massachusetts). Research-based principles guiding the curriculum development and teacher training are highlighted. (GR)

The efforts of the biology department at William Paterson College, a state college in New Jersey, to use strategic planning at the department level are chronicled. Planning focused on establishing a direction for hiring faculty, developing curriculum, purchasing equipment, and training students. Results, unanticipated outcomes, and lessons learned…

The Multiple Abilities Program (MAP) at the University of Alabama is a five-semester, competency-based preservice program preparing teachers to teach all students regardless of settings or disability labels. This article outlines the program rationale, organizational framework, and the program feature in which undergraduates spend over 50 percent…

Discusses the objectives of internationalizing the community college, reviewing such activities as curriculum development, visiting faculty, study abroad, recruiting foreign students, and providing technical assistance. Describes the technical assistance efforts of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and the Canadian College Partnership…

Discusses the development of a program to have student teachers of French instruct special-needs pupils in a six-week course of basic French to help prepare them for a school holiday trip to France. Pupil and student teacher attitudes toward the program are examined. (MDM)

Examines school reform efforts in the secondary education system of Tel Aviv-Jaffa (Israel). The article describes the principles of the reform and its implementation and analyzes the major trends of change and their educational and social significance after two years of operation. The social processes that were background to the program's design…

Low-cost, privately supported voice clinics were developed to perform laryngeal examinations of public school children to identify those needing treatment for voice disorders. This paper describes the model used in implementing the program, the population seen at the clinics, and the logistics involved in clinic operation. (Author/JDD)