This report shares findings taken from a Community Analysis and identifies 1) structural challenges that communities face as they work to support transition age youth (TAY); 2) narratives about TAY that contribute to these challenges and policies and practices that create burdens for TAY in meeting their needs; and 3) creative solutions that build…

Despite the recent resurgence of academic interest in nonpublic schools, we continue to be relatively ignorant of the political and social composition of these schools. This study of the Chicago and Los Angeles Catholic school systems sought to redress this ignorance. The study first gathered and analyzed school data from central (diocesan)…

This information memorandum describes four acts enacted during the 1987-1988 session of the Wisconsin Legislature dealing with mental health issues: (1) 1987 Wisconsin Act 366, relating to commitment standards and procedures for and alternatives to involuntary commitment; (2) 1987 Wisconsin Act 367, relating to outpatient mental health treatment…

Introduces a statewide child care resource-and-referral network that links programs together at the state level while linking parents and providers at the local level as a model for meeting child care needs in rural areas. Suggests that the collaboration and creativity of rural community members and state-level leaders can ensure the best services…

The study of the relationship between satisfaction and spending preferences among 522 community leaders and 926 household residents in 8 rural Alabama counties indicated that generally higher levels of satisfaction were found among community residents; but, with some exceptions, leaders tended to prefer more spending on community services. (NQA)

This paper, the fourth in a series of five on the current state of citizen education, examines citizen participation in contemporary democracy. The content is presented in four parts. The first covers the areas of citizen participation and levels of analysis and includes the domains of citizenship, citizenship as behavior, and micro and macro…

Briefly discusses no-plan approach and linear approach to school district computer involvement and suggests contingency planning approach is better. Components of this approach--conducting situation audit of internal and external environments, generating within-district support, formulating district-wide policies, and developing an ongoing…

The development and current status of Friends of the Library groups in Canada and the United States are discussed. Suggestions for forming a group and fostering cooperation between the Friends and the library are offered. The resulting benefits to the library and the community are explored. (25 references) (CLB)

Factors that influence the perceptions held by school site council members and others about the quality of site-based management (SBM) are examined in this study. Specifically, the relationships among a group's assessment of SBM, perceived level of influence on council decision making, perceived level of support from other groups, and perceived…

This paper discusses the public relations problem facing school boards and suggests board action to alleviate these problems. The author emphasizes that one of the most critical instruments of public relations is the board meeting. To improve board meetings as mediums of public relations, the author suggests (1) improving procedures for handling…

School-based nutrition programs can play an important role in promoting lifelong healthy eating. Healthy eating patterns in childhood and adolescence improve childhood health and prevent health problems. School health programs can help children attain full educational potential and good health by providing them with the skills, social support, and…

The mental health needs and services available in the United States were investigated by the President's Commission on Mental Health. Results indicated that: (1) mental health services are primarily located in urban areas; (2) the needs of racial and cultural minorities, children, adolescents, and older adults are not being met; (3) national…

School districts often find themselves in a double bind when dealing with the public: they seek public input, but also are vulnerable to manipulation by organized interest groups that are not representative of the entire community. The dilemma is how to procure the overall community's public judgment of a topic and allow widespread participation.…

A parent involvement policy to improve public relations in a high school is examined in this report. The policy goal was to attract at least one thousand parents, approximately one-half of the parent population, to the school each year for a positive nonathletic experience. Methodology to analyze policy effectiveness involved interviews with staff…

This evaluative research report on the nature and extent of efforts to adopt and continue family day care support services in New York State is addressed to persons interested in developing an educational and support program for family day care and to policy makers. Findings are reported in 2 parts. Part I is a discussion of variables that tend to…