In generalizations based upon seven studies dealing with citizen participation in urban recreation decision-making, the authors conclude that the type of participation varies according to the social and economic composition of the areas, but is generally superficial. Problems involved in decentralization and their implications are considered. (AG)

A recent trend in community recreation programing is to implement special fitness programs for the disabled. However, physical fitness programing should present the opportunity for the disabled individual to move toward his optimal level of functioning and to return to a normal healthful lifestyle. (JN)

To control and protect the growing number of skateboard enthusiasts, a community has built a multi-angled asphalt bowl for the use of those who engage in this sport. (JD)

New Zealanders place equal emphasis on work and leisure time activities and hobbies. (JD)

Cultural change is reflected in the decreasing use and funding of municipal recreation parks and the growing popularity of "Theme Parks" such as Disneyland. (JD)

Statistics are presented on the state-of-the-art of municipal park and recreation services. (JD)

This article examines the relationship between juvenile delinquency and the recreational activities made available by the community. (JD)

A study analyzed the effects of two initiation techniques on community leisure participation during free time for six adults with mild to moderate mental retardation. The two interventions, calendar and telephone prompts, were both found to have a positive relationship with the initiation of community leisure activities. (Author/CR)

Drastic changes in and elimination of park, recreation, and leisure services curricula have occurred in higher education. Practitioners and educators can help promote the future of campus and community programs. The paper explains how to create the necessary image to keep such programs workable, noting important keys to program success. (SM)

This anthology examines the contemporary status of Latino families, especially their great racial and ethnic diversity. The book focuses on the strengths of Latino/Hispanic groups, structural processes that impede their progress, and cultural and familial processes that enhance their intergenerational adaptation and resiliency. Chapter 1,…

There were 2.7 million incidents of child abuse or neglect reported to authorities in one year. Between 1986 and 1992, the total number of children killed by firearms rose by 144 percent. A 1990 survey of inner-city young people in Baltimore found one in four teenagers had witnessed a murder and three in four knew someone who had been shot. What…

Meeting highlights and a background briefing report are provided from a policy seminar, one in a series of monthly staff seminars titled "Family Centered Social Policy: The Emerging Agenda." The highlights summarize remarks by three panelists. Alan Hershey describes the Teenage Parent Demonstration in New Jersey and Illinois and…

This collection of papers examines instructional environments for students with severe disabilities. It points out that two principles should guide the selection of all instructional environments for all types of learners at all stages of instruction: the environment should be the least restrictive environment possible and it should be the most…

This report discusses the development and initial effectiveness of the Community Schools program, a collaborative effort in New York City's Community School District 6 designed to create a new institution that offers a broad range of services for students and their families. The program includes formal and parental education; summer camps; and…

In order to study for citizenship tests, amnesty students need to be able to read U.S. history material, although they usually have no background knowledge for it. According to schema theory, background knowledge is important for reading comprehension. Research has shown significant improvement in the reading comprehension of intermediate level…