Describes the development of the Hagerstown (Indiana) public library's Web site. Highlights include writing successful grant proposals for funding; software from Microsoft; community support; free community access to the Internet from home computers as well as at the library; problems encountered; and future plans. (LRW)

Discusses pertinent issues with an urban public library director, including recent financial, demographic, and technological changes; developing partnerships within the community; service philosophy; communication with staff; and fundraising concerns, including management skills. (LRW)

Reviews the resilience of children and youth who thrive in spite of challenging circumstances and develop into healthy adults. Strategies to enhance individual, family, school, and community protective factors are highlighted. (GR)

Proposes an aesthetic philosophy concerning public art and art education that is based on neo-Kantian principles. This philosophy advocates an art that inspires and educates and is a valuable presence in individuals' lives. Contrasts this with art that is politically motivated and prone to "cultural victimization." (MJP)

A guide for the use by project organizers in the process of creating school-based community projects suggests ways of cultivating school-community relationships. Positive relations with community allies assures fewer obstacles and greater opportunities. An example of a successful community alliance in action is illustrated and identifying…

Addresses the feasibility of developing rural community transition councils to improve transition services for students with disabilities. Describes the role of local transition councils in relation to the context of rural communities and transition services. Includes suggestions for enhancing community cohesiveness and community capacity to…

Discusses a two-year action-research investigation of conceptual, evaluation and adoption tensions that led to a revised approach to environmental education and curriculum innovation. The study revealed how external support services and a sustained dialog around the prevailing science curriculum, local environment, and everyday classroom…

Reflects on the state of the arts in general and theatre arts in particular. Examines the role of controversy in the arts; discusses "elitism," issues of diversity and being committed to community. Argues that deep, substantive discussions are needed on the value to society of the arts and the values that the arts uphold and exemplify. (SR)

Describes how educators in the Pearl River School District, Pearl River, New York, have implemented Total Quality Management (TQM) principles to evaluate and improve their effectiveness. Includes two charts that depict key indicators of financial and academic performance and a seven-year profile of the district's budget, enrollment, diploma rate,…

The charter public school movement has experienced significant growth, attracted veteran community activists and committed educators, acquired the bipartisan support of Congress, contributed to increases in student achievement, and influenced a variety of educational improvement efforts. Internal and external challenges facing charter schools are…

Alternative education programs are often viewed as individualized opportunities designed to meet the educational needs for youth identified as at-risk for school failure. Increasingly, these programs have been identified as programs for disruptive youth who have been referred from traditional schools. The purpose of this study was to examine the…

Teachers are in uniquely powerful positions to positively impact youths who are at risk for school failure. Youths who overcame serious risk factors often report that a teacher, coach, or other adult provided a mentoring relationship that sustained them. Developing classroom management and academic instruction routines that meet the needs of all…

This resource book provides hands-on guidelines for accelerating community efforts to achieve the National Education Goals. It contains: (1) a guide to goals and standards, including an overview of the National Education Goals and the movement for standards-based reform; (2) a community organizing guide, which describes a step-by-step process for…

Multiage education involves placing children of different ages, abilities, and emotional maturity in the same classroom. Research indicates that heterogeneous grouping promotes cognitive and social growth, reduces antisocial behavior, and facilitates the use of research-based, developmentally appropriate instructional practices. Because multiage…

This paper describes one effort to establish a collaborative around the issues of at-risk youth. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's New Futures Initiative was an attempt to build formal structures of collaboration among public and private organizations to address at-risk youth. Data were gathered over 5 years from the six cities in which the program…