In order to fully evaluate the quality of evidence for any educational innovation, research is needed regarding consistency with theory, demonstrated effectiveness, and consistent implementation. The Help One Student to Succeed (HOSTS) Language Arts program was specifically mentioned in the "No Child Left Behind" act as a program that…

This article raises the question, "Is the rapid expansion of the school Academies programme consistent with the Government's policy of enabling socially disadvantaged local communities to participate in making decisions that shape the quality of their lives?" (Contains 1 note.)

Expanding the sources of leadership in schools has been a reform theme since the mid 1980s. Using exploratory factor analysis and regression, we examine the following questions: (1) How does leadership style affect principals' openness to community involvement? (2) Is a principal's openness to community involvement related to student achievement?…

Federal policies of parental involvement and community participation continue to be more rhetorical than meaningful; more theoretical than practical; an afterthought rather than a forethought; and they take a back seat to the more bureaucratic and technical elements of public education change and reform, especially testing and assessment. This…

The central concern of this article is to advocate an inclusive and pluralistic notion of a public sphere similar to those advocated by feminist writers such as Iris Marion Young and Nancy Fraser. These ideas complement the plethora of initiatives from statutory and voluntary agencies to take on board the participation and voices of children and…

Many rural communities are experiencing a diversity of issues, but what part does leadership play in these communities? This qualitative study describes the environment within two communities in the southeast focusing on community variables of psychological sense of community, community leadership, and social capital. Leaders were identified and a…

Summer Training and Education Program (STEP) is a summer employment, academic remediation, and life skills program intended to lower school dropout rates by reducing summer learning loss and preventing teen parenthood. The program is integrated into the federal summer jobs program and is offered during six-to-eight-week sessions in two consecutive…

Recounts the training and preparation that went into the successful use of a 14-member screening committee that included 11 citizens with no previous experience in reviewing professional papers. (Author/IRT)

Rather than focusing attention on external assessment by constituency groups, the functions of these groups in the total process of teacher education must be examined. (HMD)

A staff member of the Kanawha County Public Library, Charleston, West Virginia evaluates the West Virginia textbook controversy. (PF)

Partners in Education is a partnership program involving the School District of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the local community, businesses, and industry. The schools receive assistance in the form of time, services, and expertise; the cooperating businesses and industry receive educational services to meet their needs. The program's overall goal…

A look at one educational institution's search for validated and meaningful programing modes and constructs to strengthen the black communities of the nation. (Author)

Described the program in arts and recreation designed by Superintendent Forsberg for the people of Waterloo, Iowa. (Editor/RK)