Discusses the success of Iowa City's (Iowa) New Horizons Band that consists of 55 senior adult beginners and former instrumentalists. Describes the organization of the band program, the senior's performance skills and commitment, and the ongoing challenges. Gives a selected listing of the music the band plays at concerts and other events. (CMK)

Examines concerns regarding the current external and internal attacks on Basic Writing in relation to the entire field of composition studies. Argues that new "recognition work" is needed in Basic Writing. Exemplifies the possibility of developing the capacity to see local communities not as places to export composition's beneficence, but as…

In reaffirming "The Declaration of Principles" from a 1995 meeting, the Corporation for National Service and the U.S. Department of Education have pledged their commitment to service as a means of improving schools, enhancing student achievement, and meeting citizenship challenges. Programs exemplifying six service-learning principles…

Educators and business leaders have wasted precious time and resources looking for external solutions. Giving up the futile search for "silver bullets" is the basic precondition for overcoming dependency and for taking actions that matter. Principals can gain insight from respecting those whom they want to silence, moving dangerously…

Successful 21st-century teachers will be proficient at mentoring and managing relationships and will possess excellent skills in managing classrooms and designing and delivering lessons. A successful school will be administered by a principal who has mastered similar skills and who dares to take charge and do what is right. Supporting teachers and…

A 1986 collaboration between a Fort Worth community group and middle school evolved into a network of 32 alliance schools in 1992-93. Aided by improvement-minded parents, community leaders, and educators, the alliance now has 100 schools in disadvantaged Texas communities. Community involvement contributes to improvements in conditions and…

Founded in 1977, "Communities in Schools" champions the connection of needed community resources with schools to help 300,000 youngsters annually to learn, stay in school, and prepare for life. The program brings in community-service providers, such as health-care and mental-health professionals, to work as a personalized team alongside…

A Maryland elementary school enlightened parents and community members about school technology by hosting a technology night showcasing student work. Through staff and community members' cooperative efforts, the technology committee created a comprehensive program composed of several elements: student involvement, district vision,…

Volunteer tutoring programs resembling a Delaware school's HOSTS Program will probably succeed if a certified reading specialist supervises tutors; tutors receive ongoing training and feedback; tutoring sessions are structured and contain basic elements; tutoring is intensive and consistent; quality materials are used; student assessments are…

A strategic networking plan can mobilize the resources needed to accomplish the seemingly impossible. The key to successful networking is building of regular, long-term, sustainable relationships with the community, including governmental, charitable, and other organizations. Striving for educational excellence as a first priority has beneficial…

Examines the basic premises of school reform, describing a reform model that reclaims democracy as the primary purpose of public education and encourages decentralization and the significant increase in parental involvement in schools. Presents lessons learned by applying the model in several Washington school districts. (SM)

Examines the effects of client participation on empowerment, with special emphasis on gender, among a group of community activists in central Israel. Findings suggest different relationships between types of participation and empowerment by gender. Gender did not have a significant main effect on empowerment, and its effects only became evident…

A survey of 30 Department of Agriculture-funded school-age day care sites indicated that interlocking subsystems of community, school, and family help programs place the child at the center. At-risk families need safe and positive options from which to choose, adding an extra element of support. (SK)

Describes a suburban Pennsylvania school district's efforts to develop a coordinated educational campaign about sexual harassment. Administrators awakened a cautious school board; applied for and received a Goals 2000 grant; trained staff; enlightened students, using age-appropriate materials; and motivated the community to participate. (MLH)

New government-funded training initiatives in Britain emphasize urban community capacity building and empowerment. However, lack of opportunities, especially for ethnic minorities, and the politics involved in applying for these funds pose challenges. (SK)