Describes public library services in England that provide open learning materials, appropriate computer hardware, and trained staff for adult independent education. Topics include mentoring by community librarians, development of a learning environment, support for learners, links with other organizations, and fees. (LRW)

Studies why Vietnamese and Laotian refugee households take the forms they do in a small southwestern Kansas community. Argues that extended family and other nonnuclear family households facilitate refugee adaptation. Economic conditions, labor and housing markets, and refugee legal status all influence household composition, members' roles, and…

This discussion of personnel supply/demand issues in special education notes the interlocking of personnel quality with personnel quantity, suggests that many complications in personnel supply/demand are of recent origin, and recommends that supply/demand imbalances be studied and cooperatively addressed at the local level. (Author/DB)

Presents a summary of the findings and recommendations outlined in the report of the National School Readiness Task Force. Discusses implications for advocates working to implement supportive policies for children and families in communities across the United States. (BB)

Using the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as a standard, adult obligations to children from birth to age 12 years are outlined. For each right of protection or nurturance, practical recommendations are given for school psychologists to maximize the development of children in their care. (SLD)

Community involvement protects students from the adverse impact of school failure in several ways that are particularly important for African Americans. Issues of program design, informal community involvement, and community contributions to school outcomes merit further study. (SLD)

Describes community development efforts of the Educacion Communitaria Radial (Community Education through Radio) in Bolivia during 1979-80 that encouraged cooperation within and between communities through coproduction of learning activities. The use of theater that evolved into a day-long educational fair is described, and school involvement is…

Describes life on a Canadian Indian reserve and discusses the role of the community in individuals' lives. Examines reasons why Canadian Indian teachers want to teach on the reserves. Concludes that the opportunity to serve as role models and a commitment to the community are the major reasons for teaching in these schools. (CFR)

Explains that the creation of the 1993 Education Act (England) introduced changes that enabled groups of parents or independent sponsors to establish their own grant-maintained schools. Argues that the requirements that have been developed since the Act make it almost impossible for new schools to be created and traces the attempts of potential…

Discusses the history and reasons for community-based mural art in North America. Describes the steps involved in a community-based mural project for students in which they work in groups to develop a mural theme and a sketch of the mural, paint the mural, document the process, and then present the mural to the class. (CMK)

Data are used from African American families in impoverished Chicago neighborhoods to address two questions: How well do modeling, supervision, and marital transition hypotheses explain the relationship between family structure and early sexual debut and pregnancy? Do higher levels of social support from parents and neighborhood adults decrease…

Explains that youth courts are alternatives to the juvenile justice system in which trained youth volunteers hold youthful offenders accountable for their wrongful actions. Discusses the reasons for the increased popularity of youth courts, the differences between juvenile and youth courts, and the effects the changes in juvenile courts have on…

Latino student dropout is a national concern that must also be addressed strategically in local communities. Although national studies are important for pointing out areas of concern, local studies can provide more specific information for local policy development and implementation. This paper presents an example of local community-initiated…

In Japan, there has been an increased concern about family and community participation in the child's education. Traditionally, the role of parents and community in Japan has been one of support and less one of active involvement in school learning. Since the government commenced education reforms in the last quarter of the 20th century, a more…

Several empirical studies have attempted to estimate the effect of low self-control on criminal and "analogous" behaviors. Most of these studies have shown that low self-control is an important feature of the cause(s) of crime. Although research is beginning to emerge that targets more specifically the "roots" of self-control via parental…