Discusses the need for the community to support the process and outcome of planning their new schools. Describes how two Cincinnati (Ohio) school districts, one rural and one urban, made it happen. (GR)

Examines the educational-facility-planning issues for restructuring schools to meet the future demands of students and educational programs. Issues discussed include the educational environment, building access, technology and its effect on the learning environment, specialty areas and ancillary space requirements, and community involvement. (GR)

Discusses studies of public library multicultural services in England. Describes multicultural programs in Birmingham and Brent that involve the citizens in planning and implementing these services. Access to electronic technology will affect the provision of these services. (MMU)

An interview with Linda Mayro, archaeologist and cultural resources manager for Pima County, Arizona, discusses efforts of local groups to preserve local Native-American and Mexican cultural-heritage sites in oppositon to commercial land developers. A public information campaign led to passage of a $6.4 million historic preservation bond. (SAS)

Administrators can prepare for crisis situations by conducting safety assessments at all schools and district facilities, involving community resources, updating district and school discipline and crisis-communication plans, establishing a crisis-intervention team, providing staff training, establishing "suspicious behavior" reporting procedures,…

For three years, researchers at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform have documented public-engagement practices in various districts nationwide. Exemplary district-leadership strategies are profiled. Common elements include inclusive, indepth dialog; dedication to genuine school improvement; creation of dynamic partnerships; and candor,…

Violence-prevention measures at railroad crossings may not work at schools! This special issue highlights three approaches to dealing with youth violence: prevention (peace building); intervention (peace making); and security (peace keeping). The problem stems from incivility, lack of respect, and unconstructive communication. Diverse perspectives…

Presents four brief essays identifying critical changes needed to improve child protection and proposing promising reform directions. Essays focus on (1) reform of the maltreatment reporting process; (2) reform of bureaucratic agencies; (3) separation of investigative and placement powers of child protective services; and (4) enlisting community…

Recognizing senior citizens' importance to the community and its schools, the Marion County (Florida) Public School District determined to improve older adults' involvement. Activities included a senior advisory council, an annual school-visiting event, and computer-assisted instruction for older adults. Another initiative, "100…

A powerful vision can help a school focus its values and reach beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary. No matter how well-formulated a vision can fail if inappropriate or when poorly communicated or implemented. A Northeastern Regional Lab document entitled "The Walk" can prompt school community members' reflective thinking in the…

Many schools and educational programs are successfully responding to the problem of student violence. This article explores a variety of techniques that include school or program-wide initiatives, partnerships, or collaborations with outside agencies; partnerships with families; and classroom curricula that help youth learn to resolve conflicts…

A diverse community, combined with a school division lacking independent taxing authority, led Fairfax County (Maryland) Public Schools to public participation in the budget process. Steps involved developing an objective, identifying the audience, establishing formats (surveys, focus groups, and voice polls), developing a timeline, and reporting…

Proposes a radical reorientation of American universities toward helping solve real-world problems--particularly those in a university's local community. Argues that such an orientation can be achieved through communal participatory action-research projects designed to advance general knowledge and human welfare. Describes a University of…

Clarity of purpose in a career guidance program requires mutual respect, trust, and commitment from all players. Involvement of the entire community--parents, administrators, teachers, students, business, industry, labor, and community agencies--is most effective if each player has a sense of ownership of a piece of the whole. (SK)

Offers a framework for developing school publications that interest and inform the public. Suggestions include sending a consistent, simple message, knowing your audience, and involving the community. Provides recommendations for a distribution schedule, kinds of publications, and going online. (LMI)