This article presents an experimental community-based prevention planning model which was established to solicit involvement of adults and youth from high risk communities in an effort to prevent substance abuse through provision of positive outreach activities. The model's components, methodology, and preliminary findings are described. (IAH)

Responding to concerns over the lack of statewide assessment, Vermont educators, with citizen support, have decided to use portfolios of student work, beginning with writing and mathematics and expanding into other curriculum areas. Standardized tests will play an important, although secondary role. Student and teacher responsibility will increase…

Only the federal government has the power and resources to address the housing crisis. National policy should extend resources to grassroots groups which will design housing programs and policies according to local conditions. Important issues are: (1) preserving existing subsidized housing; (2) providing capital; (3) constructing affordable…

Partnerships are an integral part of the core values of community education. Through partnerships, the community education process can be used to address virtually any educational problem and demonstrate an impact at the local level. The best coalitions are those in which all segments of the community are involved. (SK)

In the nation's capital, 53 schools are participating in the Comer School Development Program, which sponsors meaningful, engaging activities involving students, parents, and community members. The Comer framework comprises three school governance mechanisms (the school development team, the parent program, and the mental health team), three…

Responds to an article written regarding the maturity of educational research. Contends that, to achieve a democratic research process, the local needs and conditions of the public (including teachers, students, parents, and the community) must be the driving force in deciding what to research. (ZWH)

Describes how "Colorado's Information Literacy Guidelines" were written and implemented and provides suggestions for developing similar guidelines. Discusses drafting parameters, revisions and community participation, final editing and distribution, and three projects that are contributing to successful implementation. (AEF)

The Rindge School's innovative curriculum is based on the following principles: the importance of academic knowledge in technical training; teaching of all aspects of an industry; student participation in community development projects; and interdisciplinary courses, career pathways, and internships. (SK)

Connecting students to reading and writing means connecting them to real-world readers and writers. Writers' Day at one Pennsylvania middle school was established to bring regular working professionals (not authors or poets) from the community to school to share how writing is used in their professional and personal lives. All participants…

Presents the theoretical position that as people participate in sociocultural activities, they contribute to the development of community practices that simultaneously contribute to the individuals' own development. Illustrates this argument using observations of the developmental processes of individual Girl Scouts and of community traditions of…

A roundtable discussion with participants in the Boston (Massachusetts) Whole Village Project illustrates the complexities of urban reform efforts focusing on cooperation among school, parents, and community. Participants were three principals, a school-based parent coordinator, and three education reform project directors. (SLD)

Examines school/family partnerships in the middle grades. Focuses on comprehensive district-wide programs, school restructuring, and adult/child learning programs studied at nine sites. Summarizes lessons concerned with high-stakes consequences, parental involvement opportunities, decision-making responsibility, leadership advocacy, support for…

Of 1,700 homeless in Orange County, Florida, 40 percent are families. In 1988, a coalition of 34 agencies formed to address this challenge. A school district task force composed of community members, university student tutors, and key players from transportation services, pupil assignment, health services, Chapter 1, extended day, exceptional…

Several community projects of the Centers for Disease Control's Disabilities Prevention Program are described. The projects, which are coordinated at the state level, attempt to stimulate local involvement in disability prevention and to evaluate prevention needs and preventive interventions. (Author/JDD)

To ensure the success of its enrichment activities program, a Texas elementary school formed principal assistants committees (PACs) comprised of highly diverse community volunteer coordinators. In the PAC program, parents, nonparents, and educators work together, sharing problems and solutions while supporting each others' efforts. Sidebars list…