A new study reveals four responses school leaders typically take toward conflict among students--but one rises above the rest for success. Research shows that community-driven responses to acts of intolerance can reenforce a school culture of inclusivity. Researchers John Rogers and Joseph Kahne present case studies from schools across the country…

With U.S. immigration policies tightening, many teachers find students from immigrant backgrounds are worried about families or friends facing harsh consequences--or are suffering from losing a family member to deportation. Some students and families are disengaging from school, and kids are even being bullied about their backgrounds. Kugler shows…

Describes place-based education, a curricular approach that encourages students to engage in solving local problems, stimulates a desire to learn, and helps students connect to their community. (PKP)

Beset by bitter budget and teacher-salary disputes, a northern New Hampshire school district engaged citizens in thoughtful dialogs about children's learning by adopting an educational town-meeting format. Success hinged on courageous leadership; educators' listening attitude; a safe, respectful debating environment; teacher and union…

A Midwest superintendent describes some painful on-the-job experiences. To regain community acceptance and support, educators must understand and respect community history, apply classroom-inspired lessons to relationships with parents, involve the community meaningfully, recognize the failings of New Age terminology, understand families'…

In 1989, the Quality Education Project was initiated in seven Mississippi school districts through a Department of Education grant. QEP is designed to meet local families' specific needs. In each locality, teachers, parents, administrators, and community representatives develop a plan, with support from area businesses, churches, and civic groups.…

Like British morning programs of recent decades, upstate New York program encourages parents and community residents to get involved in children's education. Parents and community residents--watercolor artists, auto mechanics, doll collectors, and others--are welcomed and valued in schools. Program's purpose is learning, not entertainment. Topics…

Describes a volunteer Read Aloud Week program at a Milton (Massachusetts) elementary school. To help students strengthen their language development, the growth of their imagination, and their love of literature, 100 community leaders spent over 50 hours visiting the school and reading stories aloud to enthusiastic fourth grade listeners. (MLH)

In a sense, school reform is Chicago's "perestroika." As in Europe, an authoritarian, survivalist bureaucracy has collapsed, and a radical democracy is proposed as the solution to years of paralysis and backwardness. Unfortunately, the inexperienced Local School Councils lack vision and often promulgate commonplace solutions. Insistence…

Critics of outcomes-based education and proponents of vouchers, school choice, creationism, and tax limitation measures often seem to be advocating publicly funded private education. School leaders attempting to implement OBE or other improvement programs should describe programs properly, involve the community, develop and implement a…

Using survey data, this article outlines the steps administrators can take to create effective community involvement. A table details the task assignment and evaluation of community members in such roles as consultant or member of a task force or committee. (JM)

In Temple Independent School District (Texas), the success of strategic planning is evident in increased community and parent involvement, renewed public confidence, and a sense of control over the future. Over 250 community and school people participated in developing the district's plan. Site-based strategic planning extended active involvement…

Educators and business leaders have wasted precious time and resources looking for external solutions. Giving up the futile search for "silver bullets" is the basic precondition for overcoming dependency and for taking actions that matter. Principals can gain insight from respecting those whom they want to silence, moving dangerously…

A 1986 collaboration between a Fort Worth community group and middle school evolved into a network of 32 alliance schools in 1992-93. Aided by improvement-minded parents, community leaders, and educators, the alliance now has 100 schools in disadvantaged Texas communities. Community involvement contributes to improvements in conditions and…

Founded in 1977, "Communities in Schools" champions the connection of needed community resources with schools to help 300,000 youngsters annually to learn, stay in school, and prepare for life. The program brings in community-service providers, such as health-care and mental-health professionals, to work as a personalized team alongside…