This booklet is about planning for citizen involvement; it suggests both a framework and a process for planning, after interest in an idea is evident but before resources for implementation are available. Experience with citizen involvement efforts suggests that successful planning has three elements. The first is a shared vision of potential:…

Arkansas, 50th of the states in education according to most national standards, is moving community education from a program to a process to accommodate change. (Author/MLF)

Engaging young people as partners in community change is a compelling idea, but translating that idea into effective practice requires focused attention to a range of issues. The principles described in this paper emerged from the commingling of research and practice that occurred when the Forum for Youth Investment merged with Community IMPACT!…

A diverse community, combined with a school division lacking independent taxing authority, led Fairfax County (Maryland) Public Schools to public participation in the budget process. Steps involved developing an objective, identifying the audience, establishing formats (surveys, focus groups, and voice polls), developing a timeline, and reporting…

This package includes a guide for formation and implementation of community study circles on cultural diversity, an abridged version of the same text entitled "A Busy Citizen's Discussion Guide", for study circle participants, and a 23-minute videotape recording. The main guide begins with a section on the need for community conversations, based…

This paper discusses the ways in which the decline in trust of professionals and public institutions may impact public schools of the future, as they are increasingly seen as government utilities providing educational services. To counter this situation, scholars and citizen activists are experimenting with institutional reform strategies using…

This booklet describes some of the conflicts new programs are likely to face. It then presents techniques and processes that can help managers and staff resolve conflicts and build broad support for their project. As a special focus, the booklet describes five "principles of interdependence" that help the project managers and staff and…

This booklet describes implementation processes that are most likely to bring project success. The experiences of the Rural Education Program in the field, together with the findings of the implementation research, lead the author to believe that a successful implementation process is one that utilizes mutual adaptation. This process promotes…

Although increasing numbers of organizations are speaking out on behalf of children, politicians need to hear first-hand from families about their concerns for their children. This book provides parents and others with skills necessary to organize effectively and speak out on issues that affect children at home, at school, and in the broader…

Intended to provide educators and community leaders in Massachusetts with an overview of the ways in which community education practices can strengthen K-12 education, this document explains community education, describes three community education projects in detail, gives implementation models, and lists organizational and printed resources.…

A citizen-based, long-range goal-setting program for future growth and development is documented in this report. The program spanned over two years in time, involved over 1,100 local citizens, and produced goals and policy guidelines for both the short- and long-range future of the city. The components of the process consisted of staff and support…

This guide is written for teenagers who may be considering becoming active in their communities. It explains ways teens can increase their power and effectiveness in community life and some of the things they will encounter along the way. It begins by emphasizing the importance of community service, illustrating the ways that teens already may be…

This study investigated factors impinging upon the successful implementation of reform in New Jersey's special needs or Abbott districts. Surveys of 28 Abbott districts examined the extent to which districts embraced remedial measures in the Supreme Court's rulings; perceived compatibility between remedial measures embodied in the reform and prior…

"America Goes Back to School" is a nationwide initiative to encourage and support family and community involvement in improving children's learning. The program's 1998 theme highlights year-round partnerships started or celebrated during the back-to-school months of August through October. This kit provides tools to help families and…

"America Goes Back to School" is a nationwide initiative to encourage and support family and community involvement in improving children's learning. This activity kit provides tools to help families and community members develop and become involved in partnerships to improve students' academic success. The kit's "organizer's…