The author responds to alarm over declining national test scores by outlining possible improvements for educational practice and policy. (LH)

Discusses and defines media literacy. Topics include the pervasive influence of television; viewing habits; effects of media illiteracy; media education, including teaching critical viewing skills across the curriculum; media education and citizenship education; and the need for teacher education and community and parental involvement. (LRW)

Discusses the Benton Foundation's report on the public's opinions of library leaders' visions for the future. Highlights include public libraries in the digital age; the competitive information environment; education about and access to information; roles of the public library; changing demographics; importance to minorities; collaboration with…

Outlines the history and development of the Watershed Report Card, an integrated program that educates Ontario participants about the holistic nature of a watershed and fosters community stewardship of the local ecosystem. The program consists of the inventory level, assessment and monitoring level, and remediation level. Emphasizes partnerships…

Explores the extent to which public policy commitments toward community participation are realized in Malawi. Finds that the main motivation for participation is extractive rather than genuine attempts to encourage local ownership and accountability. Argues that marketization of community participation signifies the entrenchment of individual…

Compares the beginning teacher identity of primary teacher trainees in Trinidad and Tobago, with the concept of the teacher image present in reform initiatives. Highlights the need for reform efforts to take into account the gaps between existing teacher identity images and those envisioned for the reformed system. (CAJ)

Fitchburg (Massachusetts) State College, surrounded by rapidly expanding African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations, was awarded a 1990 federal Student Literacy Corps grant to initiate a Literacy Corps Program. The program created and fostered literacy opportunities for area children, adolescents, and adults and helped participants develop…

Reviews six challenges that community colleges must address to achieve education reform: urge students to take tougher courses; outline rigorous standards for assessment; focus on reading; help create new American high schools on college campuses; strengthen teacher preparation; and involve the community. (AJL)

Stresses the importance of developing rural education initiatives that address the changing workforce in rural areas and the accompanying need for career preparation beyond high school. Describes a program at Edinboro University (Pennsylvania) that prepares rural high school students for career decision making and builds connections between rural…

Research reports from multiple studies in dozens of states have shown there are advantages to learning in small schools. To take advantage of the assets of rural schools and small-town survival, new state policy directions will be necessary in finance, facilities, teacher pay, preparation, and professional and curriculum development. (Contains 10…

Describes an oral Slavey language program that drew on knowledge of the Elders, a traditional source of knowledge and wisdom for language instruction. Describes community action for course and materials development and effective use of political support to develop and establish this community based language renewal program. Contains 21 references.…

States that art is a primary means of communication at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf and that it plays a central role in the school's K-12 curriculum. Community involvement is a fundamental idea and the school has produced many murals for the community and state. Art is used to enhance learning in all subjects. (GG)

Describes a project which pairs Ottawa, Canada, high school students with local nursing home residents in an effort to enhance students' development and increase their awareness of the world. Concludes that the experience is rewarding as students perform a valuable service, learn responsibility, and make friends in the community. (GEA)

Maintains that the National Council for the Social Studies national standards advocate understanding of and participation in democratic citizenship by all students, including those at the elementary level. Provides recommendations for developing a democratic classroom and building a democratic school community. (CFR)

Discussion of strategies that public libraries can use to better serve minority patrons focuses on Hispanic users. Topics addressed include defining the Hispanic community; hiring appropriate staff that speak Spanish; becoming involved in community groups; outreach programs; and cataloging foreign language materials. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)