The eight chapters of this theme issue report on studies from 12 countries that focus on the movement toward boundary crossing in education to involve families and communities in education. International studies further the understanding of the effects interventions have in promoting partnerships in education. (SLD)

Describes and evaluates the Parents as Educational Partners Program at a rural elementary school in West Virginia. Team action research efforts demonstrated positive program effects on students, parents, and the community, and identified issues in the program development and educational reform processes. The beneficial effects of parent…

Explores issues involved in teaching literature that may use derogatory racial terms to a multicultural class. Ways to approach racially insensitive literature or language in worthwhile literature that may appear insensitive are discussed. Open discussion and respect for students' opinions are essential. (SLD)

Five decades of international assistance for economic and educational development failed because of top-down management and the questionable premise that defined development problems, interventions, and human factors solely in economic terms. In contrast, the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) supported communities' capacity to formulate their…

Examines connections between democratization of schooling and three dimensions of social structure: political system and governance, wealth/poverty, and gender relations. Discusses nine processes and strategies for democratization in education: definition of democracy, legislation and policy, decentralization of education, teacher education,…

To meet the developmental needs of young adolescents, schools should provide opportunities for diversity, self-exploration, participation in decision making, positive social interactions, physical activity, and success and achievement; they must also provide structure and clear limits. (JD)

The most fundamental curriculum question is "What is most worthwhile to know and experience?" A democratic orientation leads to answers to nine other questions relating curriculum planning to a goal of personal and social growth. (nine references) (MLF)

Discusses school power structures. Cites the following examples of "bottom-up" authority: (1) vouchers; (2) magnet schools; and (3) open enrollment. Suggests a new model in which the larger school districts function as "holding companies" and individual schools function as "subsidiaries" of the parent company. (FMW)

A two-day roundtable on preparing the next generation of academic leadership convened by the Association of American Colleges is summarized. Issues relating to academic leadership and what might be done to enlarge the pool of potential leaders are discussed. (MLW)

Under continuing financial stringency, the university administration negotiates concessions with full-time faculty to satisfy their interests and maintain the stability of the system. Part-timers, excluded from the collegium, remain peripheral to these arrangements. (Author/MLW)

Presents an update on a university's articulation work. The university aimed at collaboration in specifying the skills and knowledge expected of elementary and secondary students, motivating these students for higher education, setting standards and providing feedback to school districts. Progress in articulation is slow but discernible. (seven…

Reviews the literature and the recent history of student participation in college and university governance. Presents data from studies attempting to assess the nature and extent of such participation and examines learning opportunities in student participation. Suggests ideas and models for thinking about participation in the future. (RJM)

Reports results of a 1991 survey of high school students to determine whether student opinions about good citizenship had changed since a 1987 study. Reports that students perceived good citizenship as the ability to make wise decisions and be concerned for others. Concludes that students consider responsibility, ability to question, and moral…

Explores the principal's role in school reform. Attaching express legitimate power to the principal and ensuring that its effective and collaborative use is the most immediate route to reform. An autonomous, accountable, and achieving principal can function in a school reform setting like that of Chicago (Illinois). (SLD)

A case study of site-based governance councils in Salt Lake City (Utah) is described. The study was a test of whether building-based councils actually enable teachers and parents to exert substantial influence on school policy. The reason why research findings did not fit expectations is discussed. (SLD)