There is a growing concern about discrimination and hate crimes taking place across the country. While incidents of bias can occur anywhere, it is especially troubling when it happens in our schools. Discussing race and discrimination can be difficult for the most seasoned of professionals, however, that discomfort should not prevent important…

This handbook presents the fundamentals of successful study circle leadership. It also includes pointers for study circle organizers and participants, concluding with a comparison of dialogue and debate--a guide for distinguishing study circles from other types of discussion. The guide contains seven sections that cover the following topics: (1)…

This guide was developed to help train leaders of small-group, democratic, highly participatory discussions known as "study circles." The guide is organized in two parts. The first part presents the basics of study circle leadership, and is written for participants in the training. It includes information on what a study circle is, tips…

The first guide shows individuals how to organize a series of small-group discussions in order to help participants consider ways to prevent crime and violence in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Based on the concept of a study circle--small-group, democratic, and highly participatory--these groups bring people together to discuss…

This discussion guide offers suggestions for conversations about sexual harassment. Its purpose is to help readers use dialogue to understand the legal definition of sexual harassment and to clarify and develop their own and others' definitions of acceptable behavior between men and women in the workplace, on campus, or wherever people gather. An…

This guide is intended for individuals and groups who are interested in developing resource material for highly participatory, small, democratic adult discussion groups that are based soundly on adult learning principles. Suggestions are provided for preparing learning circle material that will be balanced, authoritative, and help people in…

This facilitator's guide explains how to lead a series of five sessions (study circles) designed to foster public dialogue and problem solving among citizens interested in meeting the challenges of community growth and development. The document begins with an introduction to the concept of study circles that examines the following: definition of…

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) invited the 2007 state winners to gather in Denver, Colorado, for three days of intensive dialogue about the challenges facing today's superintendents. As a result of the panels and small group discussions that followed, superintendents identified and detailed in this paper five avenues for…

This bibliography is useful to those interested in the intersection of collaborative learning concerns and enhanced citizen participation. In addition to an introduction, there are five parts: (1) general information on study circles and small group discussion (8 references); (2) the theory of collaborative learning in small groups and study…

This set of discussion guides includes units on "Racism and Race Relations"; "Sexual Harassment"; and "Civil Rights for Gays and Lesbians." Each guide presents a brief introduction to the issue and suggestions for ways to discuss both personal attitudes and public policy. Cases, examples, questions, and a range of…

This manual is intended to assist in the establishment, facilitation, leadership, and evaluation of support programs for fathers of children with disabilities. The manual begins with a foreword written by a father of a child with severe disabilities and a preface by the project director of the National Fathers' Network. An introductory chapter…

This guide is designed to help community members have productive conversations about how schools and communities can work together to meet the challenge of educating youth in today's society. The foreword presents a rationale for community discussions regarding improving education, and the introduction highlights new challenges facing schools. The…

One in a series of resources for community groups, this paper provides a theoretical model of community development and relates it to the history, needs, and characteristics of native communities. The introductory section discusses the philosophy and goals of the series, which promotes the development of "core groups"--small community…

Group discussion and learning activities are featured in this paper, the ninth in a series of resources for community development groups. The introduction defines the nature and goals of "core groups"--small community groups that will discuss the possibilities of individual and community transformation and promote new, life-enhancing…

Discussion in Native American communities of problems related to alcoholism and drug abuse is encouraged through reading this paper, working on suggested activities and questions, and applying the information to improve local situations. Alcohol and drug abuse symptoms are described along with statistics illustrating the scope of the problem. The…