School districts across the nation are reaching out to their communities in hopes of creating support for their programs. Toward that end, this article provides a rationale for and an overview of the elements of effective community engagement. The author outlines the need and analyzes the shift toward new approaches in community engagement. Next,…

Describes a research-based project to improve school climate in a Georgia elementary school that had been scheduled for closure but stayed open (with mostly new staff) due to unexpected enrollment increases. Developing a school-improvement plan that involves and focuses the entire faculty is important for improving school climate. (23 references)…

Although parent involvement is essential, state education agencies have provided little financial support for staff and programs needed to improve school-family connections. This article discusses elements of good parent involvement programs and describes several successful examples. Advice is given for creating and managing school volunteer…

The Edgecombe County (North Carolina) Schools have successfully adopted HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed), a nationally recognized language-arts program that uses individualized, prescriptive learning through one-to-one mentoring by teams of volunteers. HOSTS begins where Reading Recovery leaves off and helped 240 low-performing students improve…

The Bloomfield Hills (Michigan) Curriculum Development Model is designed to foster curriculum integration and community collaboration. Unique features include curriculum integration by linking discipline-based outcomes with broad, interdisciplinary "common learnings"; implementation of various curriculum integration models; compatibility…

Volunteer tutoring programs resembling a Delaware school's HOSTS Program will probably succeed if a certified reading specialist supervises tutors; tutors receive ongoing training and feedback; tutoring sessions are structured and contain basic elements; tutoring is intensive and consistent; quality materials are used; student assessments are…

Involving adolescents in school-improvement activities is essential for a total quality school but can create discomfort for teachers inured to traditional class-control mechanisms. This article profiles two initiatives to encourage student involvement through the Quality Student Leadership process in Chicago area schools and in rural Michigan.…

The Chesapeake (Virginia) Public Schools developed a strategic school-improvement plan with 178 recommendations representing certain goals: school safety, standards, effectiveness, efficiency, staff training, technology integration, community involvement, and facilities. The implementation process consisted of assigning responsibilities,…

Describes an assistant superintendent's experience in developing and implementing similar school reform plans in two high school settings. The less affluent but more successful school tied its restructuring plans to Coalition of Essential Schools principles. The key elements for success were energy, vision, and faculty and community commitment.…

Describes a districtwide conflict-resolution program implemented in all New York City high schools during 1992-93. The program tries to empower students and staff by teaching them how to resolve conflicts nonviolently and use conflict as a vehicle for personal growth. During the first year, schools made substantial progress in handling…

A former principal describes how a "problem" rural Alaskan school became a model of positive self-esteem, community involvement, student achievement, and enthusiasm for learning. She discusses problems (cultural dissonance and fragmented curricula), the project's philosophical basis in cultural sensitivity and personality-type theory,…

The goal of Chattanooga's Family Resource Center is to support and strengthen families in ways that enhance their growth and well-being. Through collaboration with other service agencies, the center establishes services and programs geared toward adult literacy, parenting education, cultural awareness, community involvement, and information and…

This literature review addresses four variables related to school climate: teacher efficacy, collegiality (as promoted by the principal, shared decision making, and staff development), student achievement, and parent involvement. Schools attempting reform should consider how each of these variables can contribute to a positive school climate and…

To identify the changes associated with the school turnaround process, this article reviewed 15 case studies of elementary school turnaround initiatives that sustained improvements for at least two years. Changes were clustered into eight categories: leadership, school policy, programs, organizational processes, staffing, classroom practices,…

The development of a multicultural center at Prospect Middle School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a response to the increase of racism and bigotry. Academic performance for both African-American and white students has improved significantly, and overall suspension rates have dropped by nearly 50 percent. (MLF)