Indigenous languages are powerful symbols of self-determination and sovereignty for tribal communities in the United States, and many community-based programs have been developed to support and maintain them. The successes of these programs, however, have been difficult to replicate at large research institutions. This article examines the issues…

In this paper Japanese and Scottish cultural and ideological expectations about the role of parents and communities in schools are examined. Findings from three case studies of a Japanese school, a Scottish school and a group of Japanese parents sending their children to a Scottish school show that there are clear policy differences between the…

This article explores the dynamics and educational potential of De Colores Community Learning Center, an after-school program serving low-performing Chicano-Latino children. The article discusses the foundational characteristics of De Colores and its quest to become a model of empowerment, instead of a more traditional model of service. Finally,…

Embedding community engagement into the fabric of the university requires a well articulated strategic vision. This article shares lessons learned by the president of a comprehensive research university, focusing primarily on two case studies, both urban institutions. The article discusses two strategic planning processes-one at the University of…

This article provides 4 selected strategies that were drawn from 135 schools that engaged in a research and development project to reform their teaching/learning from teacher-centered to learner-centered through a whole-school approach. The 4 strategies are provision for continuous internal supervision, exchanges of ideas and experiences,…

The relevance of action research to organisational change within contemporary health services in the United Kingdom is discussed in this article. Two examples of collaborative community-based studies are presented: one exploring ways to encourage community participation within a health and regeneration programme and the other considering the types…

The following article, through the tenets of critical race theory, seeks to investigate the relationship between theory and practice in school-community relationships. By investigating the views, values, and perceptions of three African-American community organizers in Chicago, Illinois, the following account offers a "challenge" to traditional…

This study evaluated the impact of an environmental education program on students, parents, and the community. The program, in place for 5 years in 5th and 6th grade classes, was designed to help learners take an in-depth look at environmental issues in their community, make data-based decisions about those issues, and participate in resolving…

Citizen involvement in education has increased in the last two decades as schools have sought to involve their communities in school matters. An increasing number of schools have formed partnerships with citizens and local businesses to provide volunteers, funding, and expertise to benefit students. Developing partnerships with local citizens and…

A primary teaching function calls for facilitating learning by matching student needs and content with effective learning experiences. In many cases, students' most meaningful learning experiences are community based and involve their addressing real-world problems or performing a service for others. In some cases, communities consist of groups of…

This retrospective study used the language of political ecology to describe the dynamics of a school board decision to hire a nontraditional superintendent. Those dynamics were described as contextual variables that existed within the community as well as mediating variables that were negotiated among the key players who were part of the selection…

This systematic review of research provides evidence to enable vocational education and training (VET) policy-makers and practitioners to act and move forward in developing training that meets the aspirations and needs of Indigenous Australians. The project forms part of a coordinated program of research developed by the National Centre for…

The Community Organization Sense of Community Scale (COSOC) is a frequently used or cited measure of the construct in community psychology and other disciplines, despite a lack of confirmation of its underlying 4-factor framework. Two studies were conducted to test the hypothesized structure of the COSOC, the potential effects of method bias on…

Parents are one of the most important influences in positive child and youth development, yet too many caregivers, especially those in higher risk families, fail to receive supports that would improve parenting and family functioning. By strengthening parent/caregivers and their connections to resources, communities can improve child and youth…

This "Infobrief" explores the five key components of ASCD's High School Reform Proposal: (1) multiple measures of assessment; (2) personalized learning strategies; (3) flexible use of time and structure; (4) new professional development models for teachers and school leadership; and (5) business and community engagement. Each of these components…