The City School is a K-8 magnet school in Lowell, Massachusetts. Student, teacher, and parent participation in the school's curriculum and governance have resulted in a strong sense of ownership and an effective and exciting educational environment. (GC)

Presents observations and lessons drawn from two years of Kentucky school reform. Implementing the Kentucky School Reform Act of 1990 teaches that reforming schools also requires addressing the ways in which communities raise their children. Community work, with parent and student participation, improves family conditions and political decision…

In order to implement desegregation in Lawrence, a parent involvement program was developed. The program included a Parent Information Center, regular community planning meetings, parent input into the development of school assignment policy, and ongoing parent involvement in the desegregated schools. (GC)

Compares the Schools Reaching Out programs at two elementary schools in Roxbury (MA) and New York City with four similar projects elsewhere. Describes how an intervenor not involved with the ordinary operation of the school can help design, direct, motivate, and assess a school outreach program. (DM)

Describes a program undertaken to rejuvenate the curriculum and social environment at the Peabody School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Discusses the underlying philosophy and the activities entailed in "Academics Plus," an enrichment program that calls for commitment by parents, teachers, and the principal. (GC)

Reviews the Schools Reaching Out programs in New York City and Roxbury (MA). Describes and recommends three successful aspects of these programs: the parent center within the schools, home visits by teachers, and teacher action research teams. (DM)

With Lowell Public Schools'"controlled choice" plan, attendance is based on parent choices, as long as they do not adversely affect desegregation. This interview with the Student Assignment Officer addresses such issues as informing limited English speaking or illiterate parents about school options and creating a community network…

Describes collaboration between Phineas Bates School and Washington-Beech Community Preschool in Boston, which links public housing families with preschool children to nearby elementary school. Lack of child care often prevents parents from working or furthering their own education. By integrating early childhood education with child care, program…

Describes the parent and community involvement project at the David A. Ellis School in Roxbury (MA), which includes a Parent Center within the school, field trips, tutoring assistance by university students, and ESL and GED classes for parents. (DM)

Describes the use of teacher researcher teams in problem solving and evaluation in the David A. Ellis School's Schools Reaching Out project. Provides guidelines for such teams in other schools. (DM)

Traces how a principal reversed the downward spiral of his urban middle school by strengthening family, community, and business ties and creating a positive, challenging, and supportive school experience. The school is bolstered by business partnerships, a school-based management team, a parent liaison, and a high-risk student coordinator. (CJS)

Describes an elementary school six years after it adopted the Comer process, an educational philosophy promoting ongoing collaboration among parents, teachers, and administrators to do what is best for student learning and development. Consensus whenever possible and open expression of feelings and issues builds professionalism and community.…

Home-school-community collaborative programs often fail because of lack of administrative support and the difficulty of involving many lower income parents. Recommends supervision at the district level and care in choosing programs and personnel appropriate to the site. (DM)

Miles Park School views outreach to families, community groups, and businesses as necessary for educational success. Support programs in tutoring, counseling, and high school equivalency for parents are offered, while parents participate in grant-writing, instruction, and program development. Describes the school's drug prevention program. (CJS)

Describes how a Parent Council and school system administrators collaborated to develop a citywide magnet school desegregation plan, which increased parents' choices and introduced competition among public schools for the patronage of parents and students and for achievement of academic excellence. (RDN)