Notes that connecting the teachers' stories and experiences presented in this themed issue are such themes as using real life issues as the curriculum, risk taking, student ownership, and community building. Discusses how these teachers believe in the importance of making curriculum relevant and meaningful to the lives of the children by…

Demonstrates feasibility and benefits of involving parents in learning by explaining the Coventry Community Education Project (CEP). Gives practical examples of strategies used and discusses research data to support belief that high standards can result from such intervention programs. Implications for curriculum planners and educational policy…

Reviews the relationship between higher education and the community, proposing an alternative mission for urban community colleges. Recommends the training and involvement of community professionals as linkage agents, independent contractors/enablers, community consultants, change agents, and adult educators. Outlines problem areas in rapidly…

The Llano Grande Center is a non-profit education and community development organization founded in the mid-1990s by youth and teachers out of a public high school classroom in a rural South Texas (USA) community. The Center was created, in large part, to cultivate youth voices as important elements of curriculum development and teacher training…

This theme issue covers the following topics: modernization of agricultural education, an expanded mission for the field, community development, a national presence for agricultural education, revising curriculum, and interesting students in new careers in agriculture. (SK)

This paper discusses ways to make social work education more appropriate for the preparation of development practitioners to work with the people and communities of Appalachia. The current dominant theory developed by economists of Appalachian development is that of modernization. The theory emphasizes economic growth. Modernization sees society…

Discusses the linkages that exist between the fields of community education and urban studies. Addresses these connections through the principles developed by the British Community Education Association, which includes lifelong learning, education for equality, interagency collaboration, community development, resources, curriculum, and the…

Examines six elementary social studies textbook series for the absence or presence of multicultural perspectives. Identifies Houghton Mifflin and Macmillan as opposite ends of the spectrum. Houghton Mifflin displayed a global-humanistic perspective while Macmillan favored a nationalistic, exclusionary approach. Includes examples from both. (MJP)

Much has been said and written about the importance of local and community organizations for the development of access to learning opportunities in impoverished countries. Calls for greater self-reliance and for educational services relevant to local conditions and community needs and that meet the needs of all constituents have increased since…