The eight chapters of this theme issue report on studies from 12 countries that focus on the movement toward boundary crossing in education to involve families and communities in education. International studies further the understanding of the effects interventions have in promoting partnerships in education. (SLD)

The "disappearance" of civic America and atrophy of face-to-face associational life have become major social concerns. Meanwhile, governmental systems are decentralizing, and education remains very political. Striving to reinvigorate civic education for youth is not enough. Educators must further democratize education by involving…

A model professional development school (PDS) serves Celebration, Florida, a planned community built by the Disney Corporation. The K-12 Celebration School resulted from cooperation among the Osceola County School District, Stetson University, and Disney. In this PDS, featuring multiage groupings and individualized instruction, students, staff,…

Describes a program that distributed refurbished books to children who might not have a book of their own. Discusses collaboration among school library media specialists, administration, teachers, parents, and community agencies; information literacy standards; empowering elementary students to help less fortunate children; and multiple learning…

The No Child Left Behind Act reflects a decision by Congress that federal money not be squandered searching for local solutions, but that scientifically based research be utilized to ensure that every student meets academic standards. The school improvement process requires that local stakeholders cooperatively plan an improvement process, and…

Surveyed 307 schools and agencies using the Career Information System to identify successful career development programs for dropouts and potential dropouts. Identified 13 model programs for followup based on the literature of successful programs and on statements from survey respondents. Describes model programs, evidence of program success, and…

Offers information useful to educators interested in implementing community-service programs. Provides estimates of students' participation in community service in U. S. high schools; describes the nature of the programs and students' experiences; and reports data which illustrate that the potential for influencing civic responsibility may not yet…

Describes an eighth grade reading teacher's program which involved students visiting elderly adults in nursing homes. Argues that the experience provided the context for students to deal with responsibility in a realistic setting, and that the positive circumstances encouraged them to share their experiences in oral and written form. (RS)

Connects the concept of diversity to the symbiotic relationship between individuality and community in the United States. Maintains that cultural awareness is a valid and realistic response to global interdependence and changing demographics. Criticizes the notion of ethnic pluralism as a "balkanizing" influence on communities and the…

Describes projects that have been developed in schools in Hawaii, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin under the auspices of the Institute for Responsive Education's League of Schools Reaching Out. These schools participated in the School-Community Connection project. Project results and conclusions about effective development are…

Describes a pilot mentoring program that involved 19 college students working with preadolescent and adolescent at-risk Hispanic youth in a Texas border city. The program, which consisted of 10 weekly classes in citizenship awareness and community participation and involvement, focused on dropout prevention and preparation for citizenship. (SLD)

Citizen participation in vocational education has two broad objectives: the development of individuals to the limit of their capacity, and the development of the community to improve the quality of life. Argues for a balance among administrators, school boards, and community participants based upon common interests, goals, and resources. (AF)

Examines five challenges confronting health educators in planning effective AIDS education for youth: gaining community support; determining program placement, scope and content; meeting educational needs of minority, high-risk youth; focusing on the real needs of youth; and incorporating AIDS education in school as part of comprehensive health…

Effective, long-term dropout prevention will not occur without broad-based, indepth, and ongoing staff development that changes educators' behavior toward at-risk students. Staff development planners should recognize that students respond not to programs but to individualized, personally delivered solutions and assistance promoting youngsters'…

Describes the social studies program at Asheboro High School (North Carolina). Focuses on community involvement and support including parents, teachers, and business community and government leaders. Seeks to help students to learn, adapt, and cope with the world whether they go on to college or enter the work force immediately after graduation.…