This playbook addresses the "how" in the continuous improvement process, focusing on schools and communities. It is a step-by-step guide for superintendents, principals, staff, and communities on how to engage in the school continuous improvement cycle while recognizing the unique assets and challenges of communities and their schools.…

This qualitative study is based on in-depth interviews with 40 representatives from 12 community-based organizations (CBOs) working with the Steans Center for Community-based Service-Learning at DePaul University in Chicago. These CBOs see themselves as partners with the University in educating college students about the realities of racial and…

This manual provides a step-by-step methodology for promoting community participation in improving learning in local schools. The Civic Engagement for Education Reform in Central America (CERCA) School Report Card (SRC) approach empowers local school communities to gather information on the quality and conditions of teaching and learning in their…

This guide presents a model for developing a team planning approach for optimum community involvement in San Diego City Schools in order to promote quality integrated education. Following a brief introduction basic purposes, goals, and tasks for implementation are listed. Next, the model is outlined as a step-by-step process. For each major topic…

The Drug Infusion Project is designed to assist rural school districts in their efforts to infuse drug education into their regular curriculum through comprehensive and integrated programming, which includes: (1) developing a statistical base through surveys; (2) training teachers in infusion techniques; (3) broadening the definition of…

This manual was developed to provide businesses with practical and easily implemented ways to meet the needs of local schools. It provides ideas and approaches for developing partnerships focused on school dropouts by exploring problems and pitfalls and offering solutions. The document has five chapters; a 21-item reference list; a description of…

This handbook provides basic information about forming and operating an industry-education partnership council (IEPC). Purpose of the handbook is to enable interested communities to replicate the model IEPC and develop strong local industry-education alliances. Part I is an introduction to industry-education partnerships. Part II focuses on…

Focused on the practical tools that education leaders can use to improve communications with their own colleagues, with parents, and with the general public, this guide can be used by school districts and states to organize their communication efforts strategically to build public support. The guide includes step-by-step information to develop a…

A set of principles that focus on issues concerning implementation of a successful dropout prevention program is presented by a consortium of national educational organizations. The key elements of this "blueprint" consider local adaptations and effective results among various programs. The booklet discusses seven principles for dropout…

How the Wichita (Kansas) Public Schools and the Wichita Symphony developed a young people's concert format that is educationally, musically, and logistically sound is described. A spirit of cooperation and interdependence between private and public art organizations is necessary to foster student interest in the arts. (RM)

The purpose of this handbook is to provide guidelines for developing and implementing structured parent/community involvement programs in bilingual education and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in local school districts. Section One concerns the assessment of school, parent, and community needs; this section contains suggestions for…

This guide describes program elements considered essential to any successful collaboration between families and schools. Initial contents offer a brief discussion of the basic types of parent involvement and the benefits of and barriers to effective parent involvement programs. The guide then focuses on ways to insure that necessary program…

This guide provides school leaders with a framework and tools for developing and implementing a comprehensive school health program. Theoretical and scientific information relating to students' needs is outlined, and approaches that have proven successful in other schools are described. The book is divided into three parts: The first, "Why…

This booklet examines the theory and practice of projects that involve secondary students in community services. Through such involvement, young people will develop positive attitudes toward community participation that will persist throughout their adult lives. Community service projects represent an important and exciting way to bring democracy…

This book describes a highly successful mentorship program in "how-to" terms that are easily applied and adaptable to a variety of situations. Following an introduction, chapter 1 addresses the question: When does a student really need the help of a professional mentor? Chapters 2-7 examine the underlying principles of the mentor program. Chapter…