This is the first of a series of issue papers that discuss ways in which rural communities and schools can work together to guarantee their students the best education possible. By working together, rural schools and communities can not only improve education, but revitalize the entire community. The Southwest Educational Development Laboratory is…

This brief reports on the Ford Foundation's establishment of the Rural Community College Initiative (RCCI) for selected institutions in economically distressed areas of the Southeast, Deep South, Southwest, Appalachia, and western Indian reservations. This is the fourth report in a series by the RCCI Documentation Team. The RCCI program challenges…

Rural areas around the world face problems stemming from the globalization of agricultural and other markets, the resulting competitiveness for existing and shifting markets, loss of population, and consequent decline of economic and social infrastructure. Rural communities need to develop the ability to manage change, and this requires engaging…

Describes planning and development activities of a team supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, the Organization of American States, and the Surinam national government, for a model community school for Surinam bush Negro villages. Summarizes team recommendations for modifying teacher education to…

Details the planning of an education center intended to introduce community education more effectively to Indian communities by providing them with technical assistance and facilitator-type leadership training in a field-based mode. Notes the goals, proposed functions, and planning timetable of the center, and what makes it unique. (SB)

For states to implement a community development and results accountability strategy, they need a coordinated strategy to produce, distribute to key stakeholders, and facilitate the use of social indicators and other data in community settings. Universities have a unique and important role to play in this effort by organizing and using knowledge…

Examines the multiple roles of community colleges in Appalachia: providing education and training to local students who are economically or culturally place-bound, promoting economic development and entrepreneurship through training in advanced technology and business skills, and meeting local community needs for specific academic or vocational…

A joint research project of the psychology departments of the University of Newcastle (Australia) and National University of Malawi has addressed common national issues, producing practical recommendations concerning community development, stress management, and poverty reduction that apply to both countries. In addition to development through…

Examines the effect of community development projects on Detroit (Michigan) over the past decade. Concludes that community development has failed to increase the number of jobs available and has contributed to neighborhood deterioration. (FMW)

Discusses the role of community colleges in attracting new businesses to the area, focusing on the formation of community partnerships. Suggests that community colleges should position themselves as facilitators and brokers of training and education activities. Describes five basic steps in recruiting businesses, highlighting three examples of…

Calls for education that acknowledges the multiple perspectives of our multicultural society to build a community that is attentive to differences and open to the idea of cultural plurality. African Americans and other minority groups must be allowed to tell their own stories. (SLD)

Describes the general situation of information services in rural public libraries in the context of the changing nature of rural America. Highlights include the development of rural communities and libraries; public expectations and information needs; barriers to information access; and examples of successful rural reference services. (Contains 31…

Traces increases in Indian-controlled economic development, community health, and cultural programs on reservations, highlighting the role of tribal colleges. Discusses Indian education's prior goals of complete submersion in White culture and separation of students from their heritage/language. Considers ways this legacy persists. Highlights…

Rural Josephine County, Oregon, used federal Enterprise Community funds to revitalize its communities. The elementary school serves as a hub, sharing resources with a parenting and preschool center, a coalition of 26 service providers, and the Enterprise Community organization. Describes how communities cooperate in providing adult education,…

Discusses how libraries contribute to a community's quality of life. Topics include economic impacts; equal access to information resources; children's introductions to libraries; the future role of libraries; the impact of physical development on the sense of community; life skills, including accountability and responsibility; and career paths…