A career education program is described which infuses the elementary level curriculum with self- and career-awareness concepts. Teacher guides and student workbooks were developed and later followed by career awareness booklets. Program elements include family attitudes and values, self-concept, role models, pupil-created activities, and community…

This paper highlights four books that examine issues related to public schools: who public schools belong to, why Americans fund public education, and what is public about it. The paper discusses the major themes of the books, noting existence of a general sense that education matters. (SM)

A case study of Aboriginal education in Geraldton, Western Australia, looked at the cycle of low educational attainment, unemployment, and poverty; national and state programs to support Aboriginal students and parent involvement; and community attitudes toward existing programs and proposed improvement strategies. A 1-year plan is detailed for…

A 3-year study in Toronto (Ontario) schools examined educational practices that engender exclusion or inclusion, especially of racially marginalized groups. Findings suggest that an inclusive learning environment introduces topics of race, critically examines cultural stereotypes, has high expectations for minority students, encourages…

Describes the founding and role of the nonprofit organization Udbhas, which promotes literacy among children in the slums of Calcutta while providing a level of food, clothing, and social and educational experiences generally absent from their homes. Discusses the children's background and identifies problems in bringing learning to these…

School-based youth community service programs are helping students develop individual and social responsibility, and build intergenerational bonds. Elements necessary to reap maximum benefit are described followed by five examples of nationally recognized programs. Project ideas and factors for success are offered. (SI)

Poor and minority children, who make up nearly a quarter of American youth, have not been benefited by the educational reform movement. Their needs can be better met through the following means: (1) the reassertion of the family's role in schooling; (2) closer school-community ties; and (3) community schools and community outreach programs. (AF)

Discusses the importance of family and community involvement to student achievement. Schools can establish an effective partnership among schools, families, and the community by providing support for families, creating family-community learning centers, supporting the community, providing opportunities for shared responsibility, facilitating the…

Describes the New American Schools effort of the New American Schools Development Corporation, a private corporation underwriting development of new educational institutions and the dissemination of innovative ideas. A random sampling of ideas from competing design teams highlights nine program proposals. (SLD)

Significant differences between education in the Australian states and in the territories make meaningful generalizations difficult. Common national trends include curriculum development that focuses on basics and the government's desire for community involvement in school decision making. Other issues include students' cultural and linguistic…

The Salvadoran educator J. Portillo describes popular education practiced in El Salvador in the midst of civil war. Salvadoran popular education is organized by members of the community who receive it and is usually led by nonprofessional educators. Most popular education is in literacy or at the elementary level. (SLD)

Resource constraints can limit the size of research projects. Dealing with these limitations and reaping the advantages of larger studies through formation of a short-term consortium are discussed and illustrated through a case study of United Way agency members. Problems and advantages of the method are discussed. (SLD)

A White Mountain Apache (WMA) doctoral student collaborating with a non-Indian linguist on a grammar book project discusses the status of the WMA language; causes of WMA language shift; aspects of insider-outsider collaboration; implications for revitalization and maintenance of indigenous languages; and the responsibilities of individuals,…

The 1998 study of the K-8 principal shows that the principal's role, revolving about staff supervision, student discipline, marketing, and community/political interactions, has become increasingly diverse and complex. The 42% turnover rate will probably continue into the next decade. Today, 42% of K-8 principals are women, compared to 20% in 1988.…

An educator and an architect discuss school design considerations that include developing a strong learning plan, a strong concept of community, and architecture that supports both. Involving the community and students in planning instills a sense of ownership and pride that is more conducive to learning and school safety than tough standards and…