The Institute for Responsive Education (IRE) is a private, nonprofit organization involved in research, policy analysis, assistance to local sites, and development of a national information clearinghouse and network for citizen groups. IRE recommends an approach to community based education that encourages citizen participation in decision-making and active program involvement. IRE lends on-site assistance to school-community councils by sharing the ideas of other successful groups, and by recommending appropriate written materials for lay participants. In addition, IRE assists local groups in the process of defining their needs, issues, and agendas for action. Policy recommendation based on documented research in the area of citizen participation has resulted in the dissemination of publications that seek to increase policy coordination among various levels of government and promote effective school decision-making. The IRE library and information service has assembled advisory council packets on a variety of topics designed to assist local school councils in developing new policies, practices, and alternatives. (JEH)