Collaboration between schools and businesses in Boston is now nearly a decade old. The most significant achievement of this partnership is the Boston Compact, a formal agreement between the Superintendent of Boston public schools and the Boston business community establishing that the schools will work to achieve annual percentage increases in…

All states have systems for mental health, public health, substance abuse, and child and adult welfare that have been in existence for many years. Treating clients across these areas is often prevented by the fact that each agency acts independently. As a result of the compartmentalization of community services, many clients fail to get the help…

This paper summarizes the various visually-oriented and informational projects that were developed to enhance the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the town of Cody (Wyoming). Some of the projects that were developed included: (1) a slide show presentation detailing Cody's growth from 1896 to the 1920s; (2) a pictorial…

Rural economic development requires local consensus and a coordinated effort by community leaders and the public at large. In 12 rural Georgia counties, the University of Georgia is implementing a Rural Revitalization Initiative (RRI) that emphasizes collaboration of public officials and private individuals across disciplines, professions,…

The nation is currently struggling with the question of educating American children for a successful future, but little discussion has examined how to prepare both the educational system and adults within that system to help each student achieve. One such effort, Valuing Diversity in Schools, addresses policy, leadership development, and…

A mini-conference on rural schools and community development brought together experts in rural community, rural education, and economic development to brainstorm ideas for collaborative projects and produce a helpful conceptual design for use both by rural communities and their schools. This document offers a synthesis and overview of the experts'…

The example of the Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools demonstrates that involving taxpayers in school district budgeting can generate school improvement. This financially troubled district decided in 1979-80 to (1) fully inform the public of the schools' financial position; (2) involve the public in improving that position; (3) involve the public in…

The Master Teacher in Family Life model, developed by the University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension, is intended to provide natural leaders within poor communities with information that will enable them to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Building on strengths from within the community, the program trains leaders to: (1)…

The origins and development of the Missoula Council for Child Protection and Family Support are traced during its first 9 months as a community group focusing upon projects and issues to alleviate child abuse and neglect. The approach used is described as a mixture of rural community development and planning. Among projects listed as completed…

This paper suggests that many large organizations seek technological solutions to compensate for reduced manpower and funding resources. One such organization, the U.S. Army, has compensated for resource reductions by focusing on integrating advanced technologies into the functional areas of training, acquisition, and test and evaluation. While…

Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) in Florence, South Carolina, has implemented the Academy for Community College Leadership Advancement, Innovation, and Modeling (ACCLAIM) community-based programming (C-BP) model for developing a regional economic development strategic plan. FDTC offers 27 associate degrees, 10 diplomas, and 9…

As part of an effort to renew and rebuild the concept of community, Florida's Gulf Coast Community College has proposed the Citizen Leadership Training Program (CLTP). The CLTP is based on the premise that citizen leaders (CLs) exist in all communities and that by engaging citizens in a comprehensive curriculum, community colleges can assist…

This paper argues that effective schools meet their educational objectives when they promote collaboration and coordination among all school publics via the participative decision-making School Development Program Model. Steps and guidelines are listed to integrate the program into school systems. In addition, the model's structure, functions, and…

In 1992, Hostos Community College (HCC), in the Bronx, New York, began participation in the Bronx Center project, a partnership between government, community organizations, and private groups to develop a comprehensive urban plan for a 300-block area of the Bronx. Including civic, corporate, community, and political leaders, the Center was…

Because students spend only 19% of their time each year in school, families and schools need to focus jointly on "the 81% solution" to improve learning beyond the school day and year. This paper discusses examples of the 81% solution that are being implemented in a variety of communities by the LINCT (Learning and Information Networking for…