After 14 years of decline, cities across the nation are reporting spikes in crime rates, which many law enforcement officials attribute to decreased federal spending on crime prevention and more juveniles becoming involved in violent crimes. This report highlights the "after-school" gap: 20-25 hours per week that children are out of…

Presents a nonbureaucratic model of mental health service delivery: the Family Life Center in Columbia, Maryland. Describes services through three programs: a counseling service, community services, and an information and referral service. Professional volunteers work with clients referred by counseling coordinators. Discusses implications for…

Describes changes in educator morale and student achievement at Walkersville Middle School which instituted an National Education Association (NEA) program to help analyze a school's organizational health called Keys to Excellence for Your Schools. Successful schools display the same 35 characteristics, among them being a shared commitment to…

Describes a pilot project in Montgomery County, Maryland aimed at developing a clear, functional procedure for identification of specific learning disabilities. An interdisciplinary team is used to interpret test scores that compare intelligence and achievement, and serves as a consultant to school staff members. (JAC)

The state of Maryland Interagency Committee on Public School Construction has attempted to improve minority business-enterprise participation in public-school construction projects funded through the state's Public School Construction Program. This report describes outcomes of the committee's efforts during fiscal year 1995. The first section…