The climate and biodiversity crises are global challenges that require collective solutions that start with education. The Learning about Forests (LEAF) program advocates for outdoor learning and hands-on experiences, allowing students to connect with nature and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world. In order to empower schools,…

Recognizing the special relationship that exists between neighbors, communities across the nation are spearheading innovative programs to build, amplify, and leverage social networks in distressed communities to reach residents not yet enrolled in higher education. Grounded in existing relationships and established trust, the Chamber of Commerce…

This report is designed to assist communities engaged in or contemplating initiatives focused on at-risk youth. Much of the information comes from evaluations of the Communities in Schools, SafeFeatures, and Children at Risk initiatives. Brief descriptions of experiences or practices of the community programs are used to illustrate points made or…

This handbook was created to serve as a guide for all programs. It describes mentor roles, responsibilities, and successful individuals engaged in one-to-one relationships in mentoring programs. It describes mentor roles, responsibilities, and successful strategies and techniques designed to assist mentors in their work as role models and trusted…

Identifying the voluntary activities, programs, and services that children and families use during students' out-of-school time as primary supports, this self-study guide provides a framework for developing primary support programs that allow school-aged children and adolescents to develop physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. The…

This guide contains examples of volunteer projects related to solid waste management. Volunteering provides the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, meet new people, learn new skills, and put ideas and talents to work. The stories included in this guide are: (1) Raucous Revelry and Recycling: Penn State Beaver Stadium Post-Game Recycling…

This examination of the needs of families with students who have emotional/behavioral disorders proposes that schools provide services in the areas of (1) community programs; (2) information services; (3) advocacy and resource use; (4) home and community parent/family training programs; and (5) parent/family support and counseling. (DB)

Describes some of the activities involved in an "adopt-a-stream" program at a Washington public school. Discusses the community funding sources, along with the surveys and protection programs undertaken by students in the sixth grade and at the high school. (TW)

This guide presents a five-step approach to planning, conducting, and evaluating a community-school health advisory council. The five steps are: (1) convening an advisory council (learning about community-school health advisory councils, obtaining support from the school district, identifying potential members, organizing and conducting the first…

This pamphlet suggests what to evaluate in a school-business partnership, how to evaluate it, and how to determine whether a partnership has made a difference. The section called "Why Evaluate?" lists six questions to which evaluation frequently yields the answers. The next section explains the purpose of four steps in preparing to evaluate…

Since 1999, pre-service teachers undertaking the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) Program at the University of Western Sydney have participated in an alternate practicum called Professional Experience 3 (PE3). This practicum encourages students to engage in broader educational settings within local communities. Increasingly, a number of…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: A well-rounded story of the strength of education is being presented by the staff and students of the Ramona Unified School District in Northern San Diego county. Select audiences of service clubs and community groups that have influence on public attitudes are visited by an educational team. Each…

Designed for teachers of students in grades 4-8, this program provides specific, easy-to-do activities for use with volunteers, parents, and students. Following a brief introduction explaining program procedures, the document is organized into four chapters. Chapter 1 focuses on jobs, including ways to do a job well, find useful jobs in school and…

Take Pride in America (TPIA) is a national campaign and partnership between public and private organizations and individuals who are committed to: (1) increasing awareness of the importance of the wise use of our natural and cultural resources; (2) encouraging an attitude of stewardship and responsibility toward our public and private resources;…

Intended for parents and all citizens concerned about improving Chicago's 592 public schools, this handbook explains how important reading is to a decent education and future employment. Chapter one describes the school improvement campaign called "Schoolwatch," the problems in the Chicago public schools, and the components of effective…