Engaging families in their children's growth and learning can support the healthy social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of young children. These affirmative relationships also support positive life long outcomes for children. The Kansas Family Engagement and Partnership Standards for Early Childhood provide guidance for families,…

This report describes the design-down process of defining educational specifications that includes recognition of societal changes and community involvement when building or renovating schools. A progressive, collaborative step-by-step approach is described through which the design team moves in the development of a school building design. Each…

This paper discusses the creation of essential conditions in schools and school jurisdictions in order to support the inclusion of the diverse range of learning preferences and needs found in today's classrooms. In order for inclusion to be successful educators need to work towards an educational climate and set of practices which include the…

Suggests ways to help put students in touch with their world, especially the school and local areas. The use of "webbing" to stimulate series of learning activities is also presented. (SDH)

The basic premise of this handbook is that effective bilingual programs can occur only within a school context that is itself effective. A foreword argues that: (1) bilingual education programs must be better integrated into the mainstream of local school district programs, and (2) limited-English proficient (LEP) students should be assigned to…

Argues that the theoretical conceptual, methodological, and pedagogical legacies of sociology render it uniquely qualified for integrating service learning into the academic curriculum. Describes the design and development of a pilot program offering a major and a minor in Public and Community Service Studies. (MJP)

The American Institute of Architects convened a 1997 conference to explore the issues specific to designing specialties in educational facilities caused by educational reform's emerging methodologies and teaching philosophies. This document discusses the presenter's views of these issues in the following areas: creating engaging learning…

Discusses the concept of student development and defines student needs and tasks of student development educators. Urges educators to incorporate student-oriented approaches into administration and planning. Discusses using developmental knowledge, the meaning of education, creating campus community, fostering acceptance of experiential learning,…

This annotated bibliography focuses on topics relevant to developing practical applications for community schools--that is, for schools committed to broad community education and involvement. The 192 titles selected have been grouped under 10 characteristics of the ideal community school: (1) community-related curriculum, (2) involvement of…

Art exhibits on college campuses not only foster aesthetic appreciation and knowledge, but they also stimulate and encourage community involvement. In New Mexico, public and institutional policies permit the purchase of art to enhance public buildings, including institutions of higher education. At Eastern New Mexico University's Clovis Campus…

Effective schools provide at-risk students with a community of support that encourages school membership and educational engagement. This study describes effective dropout prevention programs, develops a generalizable, theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between at-risk students and their schools, and suggests local and state…

Recommendations for preventing school vandalism and theft are provided in this guide. Following an introduction which cites factors related to school violence and steps which can be taken to reduce crime, the following general measures are discussed: (1) firm and fair school discipline including codes of conduct; (2) enforcement against loitering…

To provide an introduction to processes, issues, and problems of curriculum development in functional literacy and nonformal education, a monograph provides 11 chapters, each followed by exercises. The first chapter discusses curriculum development in relation to national development. The second chapter covers concepts of functional literacy and…

This self-assessment and planning guide is designed to help schools evaluate their physical activity and nutrition policies and programs based on national standards and guidelines. It assists schools in identifying strengths and weaknesses of their health promotion policies and practices, developing action plans for improving student health, and…

This assessment of the second year of the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984 presents an analysis of information in six areas important to improving education. This trend information can be used to determine whether proposed benefits of the act are being realized. The first chapter reviews trends in student test scores and other…