Two key elements of the mid-career change phenomenon were examined in a research study: the mid-career students--their characteristics, goals, and educational/training needs; and the environments for learning and retraining created by community-level organizations. Data were gathered from student questionnaires and community visits. (JMD)

A pilot project demostrates that a carefully designed program encompassing training of foster parents, use of volunteers, community support, and full commitment by foster care workers can result in permanent homes for youngsters. (CM)

Using community volunteers is one way to build support for future technology budget requests. A volunteer in the Montgomery County (MD) Public Schools describes how teachers and administrators can recruit volunteers, use donated hardware, wire schools to the Internet, train and support staff and parents, develop curriculum, and build parental…

Interviews conducted with 17 families of children, youth, and adults with problem behavior investigated inclusive lifestyle issues that are important to families. Issues surrounding family life, friendship, school, community inclusion, and supported living/supported employment are discussed. Results indicate the families want more collaborative…

Describes the development of Oregon's community colleges, which were strongly supported by their local communities. Discusses the major focus of each college, from transfer programs to distance education, and the commitment of Oregon's community colleges to educational reform, workforce preparation, and institutional effectiveness. Examines the…

Describes a study that examined the concepts of power, influence, and issues as they related to establishing a new school district. The decision to break away from an existing school district and to establish a new one provided a unique opportunity to study community action in support of and in opposition to public school reform. (MLH)

Providing housing and supports for people with psychiatric disabilities, particularly those who are homeless, is a major public policy challenge. Summarizes ways in which the concept of these needs is rapidly shifting in the mental health field. This population is increasingly seen as capable of full-community participation and integration. (AF)

Summarized are factors that have been identified as playing a role in the continued strength of the geology department at Carleton College. Discussed are the local environment, curriculum, teaching methods, and the atmosphere of the department. Suggestions for increasing the strength of academic geology departments are provided. (CW)

The Maine studies program at a rural Maine middle school begins in the sixth grade and expands through the eighth grade. Students camp out, explore Maine's geography, and learn about themselves, their state's history, and the state's diverse populations. Two multischool programs, Exchanging Maine's Cultures and the Curriculum Integration…

Analysis of school bond elections in South Dakota and in South Carolina reveal some common patterns that can help school leaders conduct a successful campaign. Key recommendations include the following: (1) assemble a diverse community task force; (2) focus on "yes" voters; (3) plan early and stress personal contact; (4) bring in expert…

In two years, Cuban-born Superintendent Peter Negroni has worked tirelessly to make the Springfield (Massachusetts) Public Schools a showcase for innovation and school reform. In whirlwind fashion, he has built bridges to the city's business, religious, and social service communities, introduced school-based management to all 40 district schools,…

Although both mastery learning and outcome-based education require students to meet certain criteria, OBE encourages students to assess themselves. Johnson City (New York) Schools stress three outcomes: academics, work and process skills, and attitudes. The key to Johnson City's success lies in clearly defining these desired outcomes, getting…

Presents writing and narratives of adolescent females in their senior year at an urban high school used to begin a dialog about the ways schools and communities can support youth to both imagine and plan for their futures. Ethnographic research methods were used to collect narratives and to construct case studies of four young women. (MMU)

Recommends that child care workers engage in community networking to form mutually beneficial relationships with people who can help children and families. Identifies good work, leadership, communication, advocacy, and sharing of credit as five fundamental components of power networking. (DLH)

This research evaluates the Stress Adjustment and Adaptation Model (double ABCX model) examining the effects resiliency resources on family functioning when families experience economic pressure. Families (N = 128) with incomes at or below the poverty line from a rural area of a southern state completed measures of perceived economic pressure,…