When Deborah Peterson reluctantly accepted the principalship of Roosevelt High School in Portland, Oregon, a high-poverty school no other qualified applicants would touch that her supervisor assigned to her, books for new principals were no help. The books suggested actions like crafting a school vision and developing professional learning…

Reliance on the "delegation model" in public education has created a fundamental gap between families and schools. The Accelerated Schools Project has helped two poverty-afflicted, minority-populated elementary schools in the San Francisco Bay Area enlist parents and mobilize community agencies to achieve shared improvement goals.…

A 1986 collaboration between a Fort Worth community group and middle school evolved into a network of 32 alliance schools in 1992-93. Aided by improvement-minded parents, community leaders, and educators, the alliance now has 100 schools in disadvantaged Texas communities. Community involvement contributes to improvements in conditions and…

Discusses research related to the cost, causes, and consequences of teacher attrition especially in high-poverty schools. Includes four major factors influencing teacher attrition: Salaries, working conditions, teacher preparation, and mentor support. Draws implications for educational policy and practice. (Contains 28 references.) (PKP)

Explains two phases of Tennessee's statewide efforts to strengthen parent-school partnerships. One phase I program is based on Purkey's "Invitational Education" concept aiming to increase parent and community involvement. Phase II models include "Active Parenting,""New Parents as Teachers," and an "Operation…

Policies play an important role in shaping school environments. Schools with healthy, well-maintained physical environments signal that students are valued. Policies built around equal opportunities, valued teachers, and family and community engagement strengthen a school's psychosocial environment. Coordinated school health program policies…

In an authentic learning setting, technology has the power to support students and teachers in obtaining, organizing, manipulating, and displaying information. According to an Office of Educational Research and Improvement case study, reformed classrooms begin with an authentic, challenging task; have all students practice advanced skills; and…

Although Fort Pitt Elementary School used to be the lowest achieving school in the Pittsburgh area, reading scores and discipline are dramatically improving, thanks to the Independent Research Project for fourth- and fifth-grade students. (MLH)

Although after-school programs offer many activities--from cooking classes to computer technology, homework assistance, and sports--they also provide an effective environment for health education and wellness instruction, especially pregnancy prevention. Exemplary programs for middle- and high-schoolers in Palm Beach County, Florida, are…

Christopher, Illinois, a rural, economically depressed community of 2,800, is reaping the benefits from two innovative, community-based technology programs. The Christopher High School District established its award-winning technology program in 1995. The Christopher Elementary School District implemented a similar plan in 1996. Both initiatives…

Describes a California elementary school serving Hispanic students that successfully involved parents, businesses, and community members in improving school safety, refurbishing the neighborhood, and purging the area of criminal activity. Police and Korean-American merchants have contributed to multicultural celebrations, and PTA participation is…

An inner-city Maryland school that serves 610 students coming from 37 different countries and speaking 25 different languages has created a caring, inclusive community by providing kids with incentives, stability, and a chance to celebrate their various cultures at a community exhibition center. Dedicated staff accept no excuses for truancy and…

In 1999, two schools in an impoverished border town in Texas received 3-year federal grants from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program to support varied after-hours activities: academic tutoring, computer literacy, "ballet folklorico," arts and crafts, guitar instruction, and service learning. Students and parents now have a safe…

The Results-Based Education Model is an outcomes-based program that unifies instruction, learning, and assessment while building in the greatest possible margin of student success. Delivery is via thematic, integrated, performance-based instructional units. This article explains how R-BEM transformed an impoverished school district in South Bronx,…

The Card Connection: Business for Children project gives East Harlem elementary school children an understanding of economics. This greeting card business teaches math and communication skills, interview techniques, basic economics concepts, and salesmanship. Requirements include a minimal initial investment for materials and supplies, an…