Public confidence figured significantly in the Rockwood (Missouri) School District's improvement efforts. Rockwood's public-engagement strategy is based partly on meeting people where they live and work and partly on Spotlight Productions, a conceptual visual and performing arts/community-education center that allows observation of school programs…

Describes a regional collaborative designed to help high schools develop the capacity to implement sustainable reforms, explaining the two project phases: skill-building workshops and local implementation plans. Site teams of teachers, administrators, and community members participated. Researchers collected participants' feedback and made four…

This study of public libraries in Ohio explored whether voluntary state public library standards will be complied with to the same extent by smaller and larger libraries. Findings indicate that library size, as measured by population and income, is a factor in two categories of standards components: community input and library management. Contains…

Discusses several qualitative benchmarks of Amish schools underlying the movement's growth in Indiana. Surveys Amish cultural history and cultural values relevant to schooling and discusses the Old Order Amish school setting and curriculum. Analyzes this unique educational environment from perspectives of three Amish cultural values: the…

Draws upon the history of the American town meeting as a vehicle for understanding this institution. Considers how a New England public school district has used town meetings effectively as a reform vehicle. Town meetings should be considered an honorable, truly democratic forum, not a symbolic gesture to improve public relations. (24 references)…

Christopher, Illinois, a rural, economically depressed community of 2,800, is reaping the benefits from two innovative, community-based technology programs. The Christopher High School District established its award-winning technology program in 1995. The Christopher Elementary School District implemented a similar plan in 1996. Both initiatives…

Influencing and mentoring underachieving students is one mission of the Ambridge Area Community Learning Center in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Operating with a 3-year, $90,000 grant from Pittsburgh's Grable Foundation, the "lifelong" learning center offers classes, workshops, and services to all ages. (MLH)

Shortly after implementing a mandatory school uniform policy, the Long Beach (California) Public Schools can boast 99% compliance and a substantial reduction in school crime. The uniforms can't be confused with gang colors, save parents money, and help identify outsiders. A sidebar lists ingredients for a mandatory uniform policy. (MLH)

An Alberta high school principal describes the process of transforming a small vocational training school into an innovative school of science and technology. While preparing school plans, this principal learned the importance of open discussion. Community participants identified seven topics for further study that were later incorporated into a…

Describes the mission, goals, and primary programs and partnerships of the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Education Program. Programs include environmental education grants, teacher training, the National Network for Environmental Management Studies, the President's Environmental Youth Awards, Tribal Lands Environmental…

Since 1974, the Australian Capital Territory has been using a school-based management system. Surveys of 29 schools and interviews with 38 board members identified the characteristics of more effective schools that are more accountable to their communities. (SK)

Successful school/community partnerships incorporate three elements: reciprocity, democratic processes, and access to varied opportunities. Principals can create sound partnerships by looking first to teachers, making schools family-friendly, reaching into their communities, seeking increased responsibility by families, and understanding mutual…

Investigates the impact of statewide database licensing for ProQuest on the users of public, school, and community college libraries in Washington State. Results of transaction log data and a study of how communities used information indicated that the database is used mainly in education and stressed the importance of implementation and promotion…

To buffer education's instructional core, superintendents increasingly have been diverted from teaching and learning and pressured to become operations managers and political beings fostering confidence in schools and communities. Today's superintendents should become responsible for helping their communities develop a common language about…

Describes the development of an educative community called Project SUCCESS (Schools, Universities, Community, Committed to Excellence in Service and Scholastics), considering the start-up, growth, and mature stage of the project. Discusses the need for educative communities that involve inter-institutional collaboration. (JPB)