This international collection of essays describes the state of community participation among the world's youth. An array of empirical research is used to present portraits of contemporary youth constructing their civic identities through such means as community service and political activism. The collection contains the following essays:…

This book is intended to help educators weave some of the best ideas for creating and maintaining family and community engagement into a comprehensive family-school-community involvement program tailored to their own communities. The goal of such an initiative must be to help all children succeed academically so that they can live productive lives…

Can a multicomponent employment initiative that is located in public housing developments help residents work, earn more money, and improve their quality of life? The Jobs-Plus Community Revitalization Initiative for Public Housing Families (Jobs-Plus, for short) sought to achieve these ambitious goals in difficult environments. Operated as a…

Teachers are a vital part of student achievement, a fact that is reinforced in the "Highly Qualified Teachers" section of the No Child Left Behind Act. However, in order to be effective and meet the needs of each student, teachers have to draw on all available resources. Though it is natural to think of these resources as school-based,…

Discusses the properties desirable in a natural area to be used as a teaching tool in college courses such as general biology, botany, zoology, entomology, and ecology. Describes the use of a natural area at Harford Community College, Maryland, and outlines the community involvement in planning and utilizing the area. (JR)

Article is excerpts from the presentations by Superintendent Norman B. Scharer, and special seminars of the National School Public Relations Association. (Editor)

Reprinted from The Massachusetts Teacher

The article describes the contributions of social work in two areas, in grass roots community organization and in social planning. As a partial response to the growing connection between the two areas, the writers have attempted to adapt the community organization curriculum of a professional school of social work. (Author/AG)

Through involvement in a project to redefine educational goals and redesign the local educational system, community members gain insights into the operation of the school system and acquire skills in influencing its future direction. (WM)

A short, functional dialogue about two Mexican-Americans and an adult community education program in Douglas, Arizona. In Spanish with an English translation. (Author/DN)

Presented a program developed by a town in Southern Santa Clara County to improve their performance in five areas of school administration: communication, needs assessment, community involvement, career education, and participatory management. (Author/RK)

A review of the communicational duties of a practicing city ombudsman. (CH)

The St. Paul, Minnesota program, Law for a Better Society, is described. Seven steps and ten hints, gleaned from experience in the program, are suggested to help teachers construct their own law-focused community action programs. (JH)

The big three cause millions of dollars damage annually to school properties. Suggestions that should help in creating an effective school security program. (Author/MF)