Describes a cooperative project in which two-year students studying drama at the University of Cincinnati learned firsthand about theater production through volunteer work at the city's Playhouse in the Park. Discusses student and Playhouse staff reactions to the project and reveals plans for future implementation. (JP)

Describes a San Francisco, California, science museum whose design is based on the exploration of perception. The museum is arranged in sections on patterns, light color, eye logic, third dimension, sound, hearing, electricity, and the tactile gallery. Programs include teacher training, student learning experience, field trips and study projects,…

The Teacher Corps Project at Jarrett School in Hawaii attempts to coordinate the major elements of the educational system: the Department of Education, the University of Hawaii, and the local community, through the process of collaboration. Part of a theme issue on community education in Hawaii. (Author/SJL)

A meta-analysis of 11 studies examined findings regarding adaptive behavior gains of deinstitutionlized adults with mental retardation when placed in community-based programs. Results found studies involving persons with severe mental retardation exhibited larger gains, and the adaptive behaviors most influenced by community placement are those…

This introductory article in a special issue on mentoring as a means to prevent school failure looks at the beginnings of mentoring in the United States, recent growth of mentoring programs, similarities and differences in mentoring programs, sources of funding for mentoring programs, what works and what does not, and the future of mentoring…

Reports on the results of a study of a community computing system, Prairienet. Examines characteristics of users and the extent to which Prairienet is serving its purpose as a community resource for networked communication and information access, through the analysis of usage patterns and logs. (Author/AEF)

Describes the development and baseline evaluation data from the Ozark Heart Health Project, a community-based cardiovascular disease risk reduction program in rural Missouri that targeted smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet. Several Ozark counties participated in either intervention or control groups, and researchers conducted surveillance…

Uses a critical postmodern analysis to examine the range of thinking and contemporary practice in the field of service learning. Introduces a new schema, discourse-praxis community, as a way to conceptualize the field and to reexamine issues such as diversity, historicity, conflict, and power. (SM)

An in-depth analysis of data on two restructured schools assessed the impact of school organization on programs that provide social, health, and career development services for at-risk students. The analysis illustrates that unless the services become an integrated part of a community of concerned adults, their potential is lessened. (SLD)

Currently, youth services are uncoordinated, youth workers are underpaid, and youth programs survive on hand-to-mouth funding. Although schools touch every child's life, they cannot singlehandedly repair this damaged youth ecosystem. Community development, a necessary partner in education reform efforts, will enmesh schools with other agencies in…

The Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD), a coalition of community action agencies, takes a regional approach to serving rural communities. Its programs focus on community and leadership development, early education and child care, and services and housing for seniors. Through COAD's Foster Grandparent Program, seniors mentor young…

Used a variety of measures to assess the effectiveness of the PALS program (Parents Altogether Lending Support) in England. Found that participants enjoyed the course and found it beneficial, particularly for altering their behavior to promote positive behavior among their children. The key lesson identified in regard to developing parenting…

Describes the Community Reading Month (CRM) initiative in Iowa City, Iowa; its goals are to promote the value of reading and to build a sense of community. Topics include the development of CRM, increased reading scores of Iowa City's elementary school students, activities for people of all ages, and planning and evaluation. (AEF)

Describes a conflict resolution program now being used in many schools. Offers practical advice for addressing conflicts and lists ways that schools and communities can work together to resolve conflicts in creative ways. Provides vignettes that show how the program works. (RJM)

This article presents perspectives on the expansion of provider organizations with case studies of two Oregon organizations: Independent Environments, which supports approximately 20 people with an annual budget of $1 million and Partnerships in Community Living, which supports approximately 115 people with a budget of $10 million. (Contains…