A Colombian model of rural elementary education has increased student achievement. Basic characteristics are active learning, structured yet flexible and multifaceted nature, extensive training and support for teachers, and opportunities for meaningful involvement of students, teachers, and community members. A Guatemalan reform based on the model…

O'Farrell Community School, in San Diego, California, was built on the principles of restructuring, teacher and community empowerment, interagency collaboration, and interdisciplinary teaching. Supported by the Panasonic and Stuart Foundations, the school offers an enriched, untracked three-year academic program for grades six through eight. All…

The Public Library Association's 1995 survey reported that while public librarians overwhelmingly support intellectual freedom, not all of them are absolutists. Librarians do take community censorship requests seriously and engage in practical self-censorship. Other topics include censorship demographics, the role of the library board, and…

Native American educators discuss important factors to consider when developing a First Nations graduate education program: formal education as one of many ways of pursuing knowledge, the dangers of defining the "indigenous way" in scholarship, and the central role of the Native community and elders in program development. (LP)

Reviews the literature about preschool immersion education for Indigenous languages. Describes the two oldest and best known of such programs: Kohanga Reo ("language nests") in Aotearoa/New Zealand and Punana Leo in Hawaii. Looks at existing U.S. programs, particularly Arapaho preschools in Wyoming. Outlines major themes and issues in developing…

This article argues that the current school reform movement of high-stakes testing is misguided. It advocates that democratic dispositions and cultural competency be included in the major goals of schooling and proposes that the purpose of schooling should be determined through public deliberation within diverse communities. (Contains references.)…

Addresses the issue of partnerships and collaborations among community colleges and other community interests for vocational education opportunities. Discusses best practices as well as limitations of collaborations. (Contains 18 references.) (NB)

Examines history and nature of U.S. educational reforms and restructuring. Discusses implications for rural schools of restructuring, changing educational policy, and funding policies. Suggests restructuring can imply values of local control, community involvement, limited bureaucracy, and educational innovation toward raising school…

Describes establishment of language renewal program, Te Kohanga Reo, for Maori preschool children. The plan reinforces a sense of community through local collaboration and promotion of Maori cultural values. Examines the influence of Maori social and cultural values in the program's organization, content, and style. Contains 36 references.…

Discusses research on Australian Aboriginal cognition which relates to the development of appropriate educational software. Describes "Tinja," a software program using familiar content and experiences, Aboriginal characters and cultural values, extensive graphics and animation, peer and group work, and open-ended design to help young…

Problems with public education and workforce preparation require a new partnership between business and education. Beyond education reforms already proposed, the following initiatives are urged: (1) greater parental involvement; (2) greater community involvement; (3) a fundamental restructuring of schools; (4) greater attention to early education…

The magnitude of the present-day problem of alcohol and substance misuse by American Indians is described in mortality rates and proportionate use reports. Use of inhalants, amphetamines, sedatives, and hallucinogens is examined. The historical and complex relationships between American Indians and alcohol are sketched, and prevention approaches…

Although reform-minded people rethink the school's role as a community institution and its relationships with others, new examples and models of health education systems are needed. The article identifies parameters of a model for community-based school health systems, suggesting markers for a new comprehensive school health education model. (SM)

A guide for the use by project organizers in the process of creating school-based community projects suggests ways of cultivating school-community relationships. Positive relations with community allies assures fewer obstacles and greater opportunities. An example of a successful community alliance in action is illustrated and identifying…

Describes the Family Education and Training (FET) Program, an innovative job training effort in New Haven (Connecticut). The FET Program prepares trainees for employment in early child care and education and assists them in obtaining a Child Development Associate certificate. In addition, the development of trainees' children is enhanced. (SLD)