Provides overview of major initiatives in family literacy and argues for fundamental change in the way schools relate to parents and the community. Suggests that schools and communities need to develop more effective partnerships so that parents and teachers can develop a sense of shared understanding. Concludes that such initiatives will lead to…

In addition to addressing trends that are likely to have an impact on the health education profession, this article reviews recommendations that have existed largely in the literature and less in practice. Some topics discussed are: demographics and health education and care, program advocacy, community empowerment, and credentialing. (SM)

Although universities must restructure to incorporate new interactive technologies to expand outreach efforts, a key issue is whether to undertake these changes quickly, in response to immediate market-driven demand, or more cautiously. Such change must take place from within the institution, in a process determined by the university community,…

Discusses how metropolitan universities pose unique challenges and opportunities for student affairs professionals. Describes how student characteristics reflect the diversity of the surrounding population; explores enrollment patterns, sources of college funding, recruitment and retention, campus environment, international students, student…

Data from 18,000 eighth-grade students from urban, suburban, and rural settings across the nation indicate that parental involvement varies across community settings. Rural parents are interested in their children's education, but may not be as well informed about school programs. Recommends that strategies should be developed to increase…

Reviews an array of resource organizations useful for developing, implementing and evaluating service learning. Reviews practical "how-to" guidebooks, motivational materials, and resources for academic discussions of service learning. Formats reviewed include workbooks, field guides, ERIC digests, monographs, and anthologies of articles. (MJP)

A collaboration between Outward Bound and Northeastern University allows a diverse group of 6-10 college students to participate in a community service learning project. Describes how the collaboration emphasizes "connected knowing," (the collective construction of knowledge) and reflective inquiry to increase the relevance of the…

Health professions schools can contribute significantly to the mission of metropolitan universities and have substantial impact on their communities. In addition to the direct impact of their graduates and affiliate health care facilities, they can make a major contribution serving the community's health care needs, as illustrated by activities at…

Virginia Commonwealth University confronted shrinking resources for its urban mission by creating a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program. The program addressed a number of challenges and was built using existing resources in the university and professional communities. Despite early financial concerns, the program now combines needed…

Argues that community services provide individuals with the opportunity to care for others as well as themselves in that they help create a better world. Describes four service programs at Piedmont Virginia Community College: a program teaching philosophy in the third grade, a summer program for inner-city children, Ethics-Across-the-Curriculum,…

This article presents an interview with Professor Ralph W. Tyler (a pioneer in the field of education and assessment) that lends some historical perspective to the current alternative assessment movement. After highlighting Tyler's contributions, the article provides six caveats on assessment, then reflects on Tyler's work. (SM)

Reports on a study to identify excellent campus-based initiatives to prevent alcohol abuse by college students. Offers recommendations to colleges which stress that alcohol-abuse prevention programs be long-term, broad-based, and integrated into the institution and community. Offers recommendations to trustees which stress their role in…

Presents an interview with a technology teacher at a small Catholic school that manages to provide its students with technology education despite its tight budget. Describes the parents' involvement with the school through donations of money or used computers, and the positive effect of strong community and school involvement. (AJL)

New Norway, a small rural Alberta school, has few dropouts, and half its graduates enter postsecondary education. Case study in Canada's Exemplary Schools Project outlines elements of school culture contributing to success: close community connections; principal's role; individual support for students; focus on independent study skills and task…

The study of four community-based organizations (CBOs) participating in the Attendance Improvement Dropout Prevention program in New York City illustrates that it is important to distinguish among the characteristics of CBOs when schools think about forming collaboratives with them. CBOs may serve very different purposes for school needs. (SLD)