The study described in this article highlights the complexity of service-learning efforts and community engagement pursuits. It is based on 6.5 months of qualitative fieldwork in International Baccalaureate international schools in Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The article unpacks the understandings and skills involved in service-learning…

Stresses the advantages of utilizing community members to develop a positive public relations image rather than simply as advisory groups in solving educational problems. (Author/RK)

Reviewed are the history and public relations, financial and service roles of lay "Friends of the Library" groups. Programs and techniques useful in the pursuit of these roles are suggested. Guidelines for a constitution, fee schedule, and administrative structure plus a bibliography give potential friends organizations help in…

The author offers fourteen suggestions for a school or business education department public relations program. She states that the role of the business educator in public relations is to present the whole educational picture and to involve the community in education and the school. (MF)

Provides guidelines to involve the entire community in a successful reading fair, based on procedures followed in Newport News, Virginia. (RL)

In order to help support basic library services and to reach out to the larger community with expanded library services, the Howland Library Trustee Board asked Warner-Eddison Associates, as consultants, to make recommendations regarding a program of volunteer participation in the library's operations. Their study resulted in suggestions that…

This paper discusses the importance of generating more support for the public schools among nonparent taxpayers and offers numerous suggestions for communicating with nonparents and involving them in the schools. The author points out that only 26 percent of all homes have school-age children and argues that, although many schools do a good job of…

This report presents some ideas that were developed by participants at a conference sponsored by the National School Public Relations Association. The conferees from educational, political, and civic life participated in a brainstorming session to develop ideas for improving public confidence in education. The best of these ideas are included in…

Researchers advise school boards to make academic standards everyone's business; narrow standards' grade- and school-level focus; make standards-based decisions; invest in highly qualified teachers; demand helpful, well-aligned assessments; approach accountability cautiously; and intervene to help struggling students. Online resources are listed.…

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…

Public relations (PR) is a well-planned campaign of activities the purpose of which is to sell a product (such as foreign language programs) to an external audience. PR differs from publicity in that publicity is a reaction to occasional events whereas PR is a plan with identifiable objectives which extends over a period of time. In conducting a…

A Public Education Network poll showed that Americans want to fix public schools, not abandon them. To engage reluctant community members, school leaders must reach beyond parents; organize results-oriented volunteer activities; recognize different communities' needs; work with community-based organizations; and provide clear, accurate…

This report contains articles that provide guidelines for running board of education meetings and discusses the roles of superintendents and boards in decision making. The articles discuss (1) the public relations value of well-run board meetings, (2) the importance of following good parliamentary procedure, and (3) the preparation and…

To get full value from citizen advisory committees, school boards may use the following suggestions and guidelines. Be sure a lay citizen committee is needed before appointing one; provide specific responsibilities and duties; appoint the members to achieve balance according to sex, race, philosophy, and geography; use rotating terms; appoint the…

This handbook was written to demonstrate the procedure for setting up and running a citizen advisory council for vocational education programs. Organized into seven sections, the handbook provides information on the background and purposes of an advisory council, procedures for establishing a council, council operations, the council role, public…