Over the last 10 to 15 years, a variety of efforts to transform American high schools have gained both public and private support. Significant among these are initiatives to implement Small Learning Communities (SLCs), part of a larger school reform and restructuring effort designed to address a variety of goals, including "downsizing large…

This study investigated school administrators' perceptions of school improvement policies in a high-impact policy environment by measuring the impact of accountability, site-based management, professional development, and scheduling reform on the three dependent variables of a) academic outcomes, b) staff morale, and c) parent and community…

In 1992-93 the United Way was managing the participation of community-based organizations in the New York City Board of Education's dropout prevention effort. The Teachers College of Columbia University was asked to undertake an evaluation of this program, the Community Achievement Project in the Schools (CAPS). A follow-up to the original…

The influence of the private sector on education has been and continues to be significant. The use of scientific management in education, which led to standardized testing, accountability, and educational administration, came from the private sector. In recent times, many businesses have formed charitable and professional support partnerships with…

This report of the 1994 meeting of directors of programs funded by the Precollege Science Education Initiative for Science Museums contains proceedings of the meeting along with profiles of grant-supported activities. The community partnerships described share a common theme: the importance of science education not just as a means to an end, but…

Established in 1988 through the cooperative efforts of the Institute of Water Research at Michigan State University and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Groundwater Education in Michigan (GEM) program helps people understand the relationship between their actions and the quality of their environment, particularly groundwater. The program has a…

This document describes the extent of the violence problem, names some key causes, presents some successful strategies, and outlines how a number of communities have developed and carried out thoughtful, coordinated game plans. Part 1 frames the problem, presenting facts, causes, and costs, and explaining the value of prevention. Part 2…

This booklet is intended to be a guide for local communities concerning the six National Education Goals articulated in 1990 and on how to become an "America 2000 Community" in the context of that program. There are four principal criteria for an America 2000 Community: (1) Adopt the six National Education Goals; (2) Develop a…

This book contains readings supplement information provided by a group of principals, teachers, and researchers participating in the U.S. Department of Education's National Satellite Teleconference, "Students at the Center." The March 1998 broadcast shared key findings on planning, implementing, and sustaining comprehensive school…

This report describes the design-down process of defining educational specifications that includes recognition of societal changes and community involvement when building or renovating schools. A progressive, collaborative step-by-step approach is described through which the design team moves in the development of a school building design. Each…

This document summarizes the progress and outcomes of the implementation of the Colorado Preschool Program in 36 school districts from June, 1989, to May, 1990. First, the strength of community collaboration in supporting this early childhood effort is described. Second, the needs and accomplishments for the children and families served in the…

Schools are finding it increasingly difficult to successfully meet the diverse needs of all students at risk of school failure. Changes in demographics and the nature of children's needs call for reaching beyond the school's boundaries and mobilizing a broad array of resources in the larger community. This document extends work on the coordination…

This document reports on a mini-summit meeting on family involvement in education that was held at the Education Center of the Massachusetts Elementary School Principals' Association. The one-day working conference brought together 95 leaders from K-12 schools, higher education and research institutions, parent involvement advocacy groups, and the…

Two advertisements and two brochures for the California Search and Serve program are presented in this excerpt from the California Search and Serve "Search Guidelines and Resource Manual." The materials are designed to promote community involvement in the identification of handicapped persons, from birth through age 21, so that they may…

A highly successful student developed magazine, "Foxfire" has inspired the development of some 30 other student magazines which emphasize, as "Foxfire" has, the local environment. (JC)