Proposes that community involvement has a curvilinear influence on marital quality, with quality being the highest at an intermediate level of involvement, and the lowest at the extremes of low and high involvement. Empirical data on specific indicators of community involvement primarily support the curvilinear relationship. (Author)

The effect that the university has upon its region and the issue of regional control of higher education are examined. A definition of regional development is offered and regional planning, relevant research, cultural mobilization, and the Jacobin university are described. (Author/MLW)

Explaining how to design a teaching unit based on experiential learning, this article provides a framework for understanding experiential thought and describes an eight-week environmental unit used in New Hampshire, suggesting strategies for implementing a similar community-based curriculum within the public schools. (SB)

The Central Park Project, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, illustrates the importance of participation in the design process and the impact of school sites on children as well as on the surrounding neighborhood. (Author/MLF)

Proposition 13 and other legislation have adversely affected finances available for school planning. Suggested solutions included early involvement of development teams with community and district planning staffs and the use of advisory committees and professional private-sector research consulting firms. (MLF)

The Judicial Evaluation Method (JEM) is useful for aiding decision-making bodies to formulate policies. Broad public participation in complex issues is provided by JEM. (The conceptualization, policy formulation stages, and participant roles are identified; and the model is applied in two case studies). (MH)

The author describes a successful attempt to get community involvement and support through a school improvement effort. (KC)

Discusses the introduction of a sex education pilot program and its subsequent development in District 31 schools in Staten Island, New York, in 1967. (Author/RK)

Nine crucial issues in secondary education are identified: (1) self-actualization skills, (2) humane values, (3) social survival skills, (4) transfer of social heritage, (5) utilization of total environment, (6) program content, (7) organizational renewal, (8) optimum resource usage, (9) societal participation in educational improvement. (MB)

Discusses methodology and results of a study of participatory educational planning. Objectives were to (1) understand the social and attitudinal forces that drive people to join educational policy-making groups, and (2) assess effect of organizational factors pertinent to the particular policy-level activity upon the intensity and quality of…

Describes an adult education course designed to stimulate public awareness in planning matters, and compares the course with another differently planned program with the same purpose. Notes that given the concentration of resources and cooperation between adult education and community development agencies, interest in planning issues can be…

Describes the widespread parental involvement in Catholic schools, such as in parent-teacher organizations. Discusses the importance of these organizations in creating a sense of community. Describes how the development of adult religious education classes and the collaboration between parent organizations can create a sense of unity among parents…

Advocates student learning portfolios as an effective assessment technique. Explains how to devise a process that involves community expert partners in judging a student portfolio contest in technical writing. Discusses how to sustain community involvement in program assessment and describes how portfolio assessment led to the creation of a…

Alexandria (Virginia) Community Network Preschools is a private, nonprofit preschool system that serves over 125 low-income children and their families. Network Preschools follow the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation's principles for a superior early-childhood curriculum. The four schools use developmentally appropriate practices, enable…