For many years, policymakers and the public have been holding students and schools accountable for improvement, but there was no way to determine whether the public and its elected officials and community organizations were doing their part to strengthen public schools. To address this shortcoming, Public Education network (PEN), with funding from…

This study examines how communities participate in schools across diverse contexts in developing countries and the results attributed to community participation. It reviews evaluations of participatory approaches to education in developing countries to answer two basic questions: 1) How do communities participate in school in developing countries?…

Presents some examples of how reading education and the community can come together. Divides the presentation into two types of community involvement: bringing the community into the schools and integrating classrooms into the community. (MG)

Reading is the key to learning. Without basic reading skills, the individual is shut out of society in many ways. Illiteracy lowers his chances of employment, limits his knowledge in politics and current events, and limits his success in school. As all of these things affect the nonreading individual, so does his lack of productivity and lack of…

Increasingly, Mental health professionals are turning for support and assistance in their work to citizens in the community. Consequently, the roles of citizen groups as participants and collaborators have taken on increased significance. These citizens are asking, "How much influence will they be allowed to exert in planning and implementing…

This paper addresses the issues concerning latchkey children in the United States and the need for parents, schools, and communities to support special programs for these children. It is emphasized that although these children have received increased attention, research findings have not conclusively shown what types of programs will best meet the…

The results of a June 1969 Gallup Poll indicated that 71 percent of the adults questioned favored sex education in the schools. However, public schools now are faced with intensive efforts by extremist groups to discredit family life and sex education programs. Charges aimed at eliminating these programs are seriously affecting many localities.…

In response to pervasive problems of low income, anticipated loss of employment in the textile industry, high dropout rates, high crime rates, and poor relationships among municipalities, Gaston County, North Carolina, has developed an innovative set of processes for promoting cooperation and facilitating leadership techniques. The Gaston System…

Reexamines definitions of "ruralness" and "resources." Describes three types of support services common to human service agencies. Discusses influence as a program development resource, advantage of rural programs, incumbent social work roles related to resource development, and what makes a program successful. Lists four program development…

In order to encourage more citizen action and public awareness in broadcasting, this guide enumerates the step-by-step procedures that citizens must take to deal with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The guide exhaustively reviews the policy areas where current FCC television and radio licenses are vulnerable to public scrutiny. It…

The recommendations resulting from the Community Conference are contained in this document. The conference focuses on the concept of community schools and its applicability to New York City. The concept involves expanding the use of schools as locations for voluntary activities and community service programs which serve not only the student…

This book challenges American communities to reclaim their responsibility for raising healthy, successful, and caring children and adolescents. The book also offers a critique of American culture along with practical strategies for uniting and mobilizing communities around a shared vision of healthy development. The book argues that three…