This systems theory study dealt with communication in community consensus building. Elected officials, community leaders, and a sample of citizens in three rural Wisconsin communities were interviewed about community problems. One community served as a control group; the other two communities received feedback reports based on the survey results.…

This paper is a case study of a documentary produced by WHAS-TV entitled "Louisville: Open City?" The purposes behind the documentary are examined, and an attempt is made to evaluate whether these purposes were achieved. More importantly, this paper illustrates the social and political changes which can result when a locally-produced…

The author emphasizes the charm and importance of studying California state history. (DE)

Reports on a study in which content analysis of a community newspaper and open-ended questioning of residents were used to analyze the newspaper's influence on the local information the public has and the topics the public considers salient over time. (GW)

Outlines the challenge to both government monopoly and community participation posed by the rise of local private stations in Italy. Local broadcasters represent democratic participation and a new vehicle of political, social, and cultural growth.

The author discusses the thought and behavior of educators faced with the growing gap between scientific rationality (application of linear procedures, cause-effect relationships, and other simplistic systems) and control of the schools, in the one hand, and the growing body of knowledge about the social reality of schools which eschews such…

Analysis of community social problems by 125 rural West community leaders revealed attitudes toward social services. Two perspectives emerged: focus on family-related problems and focus on public safety problems. Findings suggested--although links between public services and social conditions in health and education are understood--connections…

Describes an environmental studies model which was used to optimize both central and school-based curricula teams. Identifies the main implementation problems as the need to identify local sources of knowledge, the need to train teachers in choosing modular curriculum units, and working with groups on a realistic project and project evaluation.…

When improvements of secondary education are undertaken, local needs must first be evaluated. Basic problems to be considered include assessment of the curriculum and the educational objectives limiting it, preparatory programs for principals, and the imbalance of responsibilities and rewards for teachers. (MJL)

To shed light on the prevalance of families choosing one residential area over another on the basis of the quality of schools in each area, the article explores whether a geography of intelligence exists in a small Kentucky town of approximately 20,000 people. Findings indicated significant spatial associations among IQ, achievement, and…

Explores the benefits which local stations can derive from developing long-range plans, and offers some guidance on how local managers can go about the planning process. (Author)

A survey of 266 adults supported previous findings that television is perceived to be a more credible, truthful, and important source of local news than the newspaper. (GT)

The consultative effort to assist in the development of mental health services in Crystal City, Texas is described. Issues of political involvement, cultural and language issues, community dynamics, staffing, staff development, and training of psychology interns are discussed in light of the inadequacy of certain aspects of traditional…

Defines total community coverage as the presentation of divisive issues through such media as electronic town meetings and public debates. Suggests ways to improve these media formats, including a 4-level model. Describes in depth each level--Foundations, Conceptual Awareness, Investigation and Evaluation, and Action Skills. Presents a case study…

Offers a communicative, dialogic approach to studying urban historic districts. Focuses on several contemporary conflicts concerning the meaning of "community" in Ybor City, a national landmark historic district in Tampa, Florida, to reveal how people actively occupy, struggle over, and use such urban spaces. (SR)