Involving adolescents in school-improvement activities is essential for a total quality school but can create discomfort for teachers inured to traditional class-control mechanisms. This article profiles two initiatives to encourage student involvement through the Quality Student Leadership process in Chicago area schools and in rural Michigan.…

Examines the benefits and the limitations of educational reform literature as applied to implementing collaborative services. A practical, research-based strategy for developing collaborative relationships includes getting started, developing a community collaborative council, identifying a shared vision and goals, conducting a needs assessment,…

Parent involvement can have unforeseen consequences. Article recounts complicated process of choosing a high school biology textbook in Colorado Springs district populated mainly by evangelical Christians. Although controversy arose over creationism's treatment in one text, book discussing evolution as unifying concept of biology was eventually…

Faced with budget cuts, the community of Beaverton, Oregon, left only one support service intact: the newly restructured guidance and counseling program begun in 1992. The program is based on meeting students' needs through supportive guidance, prevention and intervention measures, and active community-school partnerships. The key was developing…

A Yuma (Arizona) elementary school district discovered that year-round schooling is doable, if the community is ready. Before proceeding, superintendents should do their homework, involve the community, form a support group to solidify acceptance, rally colleagues, develop a multiyear implementation plan, collect data on issues raised in the…

Shows applications of the Talent Identification and Development in Education (TIDE) model in two suburban Midwestern school districts. In both large and small districts, TIDE changes the way school communities view gifted and talented education. A broader understanding emerges that recognizes nurturing of strengths, interests, and talents in every…

Discusses the need for the community to support the process and outcome of planning their new schools. Describes how two Cincinnati (Ohio) school districts, one rural and one urban, made it happen. (GR)

Examines the educational-facility-planning issues for restructuring schools to meet the future demands of students and educational programs. Issues discussed include the educational environment, building access, technology and its effect on the learning environment, specialty areas and ancillary space requirements, and community involvement. (GR)

Discusses studies of public library multicultural services in England. Describes multicultural programs in Birmingham and Brent that involve the citizens in planning and implementing these services. Access to electronic technology will affect the provision of these services. (MMU)

An interview with Linda Mayro, archaeologist and cultural resources manager for Pima County, Arizona, discusses efforts of local groups to preserve local Native-American and Mexican cultural-heritage sites in oppositon to commercial land developers. A public information campaign led to passage of a $6.4 million historic preservation bond. (SAS)

Administrators can prepare for crisis situations by conducting safety assessments at all schools and district facilities, involving community resources, updating district and school discipline and crisis-communication plans, establishing a crisis-intervention team, providing staff training, establishing "suspicious behavior" reporting procedures,…

For three years, researchers at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform have documented public-engagement practices in various districts nationwide. Exemplary district-leadership strategies are profiled. Common elements include inclusive, indepth dialog; dedication to genuine school improvement; creation of dynamic partnerships; and candor,…

Violence-prevention measures at railroad crossings may not work at schools! This special issue highlights three approaches to dealing with youth violence: prevention (peace building); intervention (peace making); and security (peace keeping). The problem stems from incivility, lack of respect, and unconstructive communication. Diverse perspectives…

Presents four brief essays identifying critical changes needed to improve child protection and proposing promising reform directions. Essays focus on (1) reform of the maltreatment reporting process; (2) reform of bureaucratic agencies; (3) separation of investigative and placement powers of child protective services; and (4) enlisting community…

Recognizing senior citizens' importance to the community and its schools, the Marion County (Florida) Public School District determined to improve older adults' involvement. Activities included a senior advisory council, an annual school-visiting event, and computer-assisted instruction for older adults. Another initiative, "100…