In this introductory article to a theme issue, the author discusses the impact of budget cuts, shrinking enrollment, the teacher's declining public image, and the fragmentation of the music industry and the music education field. On the positive side he describes two cases where community pressure prevented music program cuts. (SJL)

The press has the power either to foster or to diminish confidence in the schools. Educators must learn some ways to use the news media to the schools' advantage. (JM)

Describes the services provided by the Family Stress Consultation Team, an Illinois community-based consultation group which has an experimental, multidisciplinary approach to the handling of child abuse and neglect cases. (CM)

Discusses how a professional opinion poll can be used in public libraries to persuade politicians to support a more favorable allocation of resources. Provides a specific example and notes the importance of constant vigilance, informal regional pollsters, and using polls not sponsored by the library (AEF)

Examines both the methods and the reasons for ensuring that rural populations of elderly mentally retarded citizens receive modern psychiatric assistance and community support. Provides an overview of the models currently available for providing rural delivery of services to the elderly mentally retarded. (Author/TE)

To rectify the problem of a mostly White teaching and administrative staff in a Delaware school district with a 17 percent Black student enrollment, administrators set up conferences with Black community members to discuss teacher recruitment, expectations for Black students, and the districts' effectiveness in meeting minority student needs. (MLH)

Identifies unique problems associated with developing gifted programs in rural schools. Makes suggestions to administrators concerning proper emphasis on program planning, sensitivity during the identification procedures, financial and transportation difficulties, and fostering community support. 8 references. (SV)

Increasing participation of Black students in high technology vocational programs requires (1) eliminating negative attitudes about vocational education; (2) introducing technology education in elementary and middle schools; and (3) linking vocational programs with community opportunities, for example, through the work of vocational-technical…

Draws insights from social sciences for beginning teacher induction: (1) from sociology, adult selection of socializing agent and phases of newcomer behavior; (2) from anthropology, rites of passage; and (3) from psychology, encouraging formal operational thought and beginning new adult psychosocial stages. (SK)

In Pennsylvania, introduction of student learning outcomes became a major battle rather than a reasoned debate, and final language of the proposed regulations was somewhat muted. Because the state failed to cultivate the grass-roots support necessary for reform, a vocal, effective opposition emerged, and sensation overshadowed real issues.…

In thriving school communities, members form a culture of reciprocal relationships that meet both school and community needs. The Los Alamitos (California) Unified School District opened a parent-paid preschool and an extended-day-care facility at each elementary-school site. Reciprocal relationships can be created via volunteer projects and…

Describes how the New Main San Francisco Public Library was created in spite of budget cuts and threats of shutting down library branches. Discusses community support, the political approach to fund raising, collection development and increased patronage, and linking branch libraries to the New Main's system. (AEF)

Maintains that a shopping mall is an ideal location for an elementary school music performance and can increase community visibility in order to encourage support for the music program. Provides guidelines for planning the performance from choosing the mall and selecting music to transporting the equipment and visiting the site. (CMK)

Despite a long tradition of public support for public education, America today is experiencing the erosion of public commitment to public schools. Chapter 1 of this book describes the reasons for the disconnection between schools and communities and argues that fundamental change must start with the public and within the community in order to…

Five key issues can serve to summarize the complexity of the restructuring process and some of the challenges being faced: (1) developing a vision that unites projects; (2) identifying outcomes that will be assessed; (3) obtaining the active support of the community; (4) redefining the role of principals from power-wielders to facilitators; and…