So far the courts have supported most schools' zero-tolerance policies--even those banning toy weapons, over-the-counter drugs, and unseemly conduct. However, wide-ranging get-tough policies can draw criticism. Policy experts advise school boards to ask the community, decide what people want, allow some wiggle room, create an appeals process,…

Asserts income inequality will grow as government spending cutbacks lead to funding cuts for social benefits and services. Notes the shift from federal to local administration of social welfare services suggests greater resource allocation power for local communities. Draws on the literature of multicultural community practice to focus on…

Asserts that if large numbers of welfare recipients are to become steadily employed, low-income communities must experience fundamental changes in employment opportunities. Proposes a research agenda that fosters employment and builds community resources. This agenda addresses ways in which communities can provide preconditions for employment,…

Discusses the shift in special education teacher preparation programs from a medical orientation and a focus exclusively on the child, to a focus on the whole system in which the child functions. Highlights the need for special education teachers to work with communities toward more inclusive environments. (CR)

Examines benefits and challenges of undertaking assessments in community-based research (CBR). Such assessments are compared and contrasted to more traditional research processes. Further, the challenges of integrating CBR assessments into an ongoing social change initiative are analyzed. Five principles to guide CBR assessments are articulated. A…

Introduces a community-based science partnership in which students learn science and mathematics through inquiry-based investigations using technology and the unique history of a local cemetery. (KHR)

Describes the report "The Civic Mission of Schools," released on 13 February 2003. Discusses four key goals related to civic knowledge and skills; community involvement; political involvement; and moral and civic virtues. Notes that the report also provides practical guidance to K-12 schools and colleges and universities on supporting more…

Discusses intervention options that help prevent violence in schools by affecting the school climate. Describes five approaches to improve the school climate: (1) parent and community involvement; (2) character education; (3) violence-prevention and conflict-resolution curricula; (4) peer mediation; and (5) bullying prevention. (CMK)

Rather than use their energies to explain their failures, Blacks need to develop strategies for success. Uses examples from the Atlanta Public Schools to illustrate how Blacks can use effective schools research to improve urban, Black education. (FMW)

Discusses problems facing minority families and their communities and identifies appropriate roles for educators, families, and community-based organizations in seeking solutions. Describes Texas' Coalition for PRIDE's (Positive Responsible Individuals Desiring an Education) five goals: (1) increase community involvement; (2) increase attendance;…

Offers guidelines for planning fund raising events for small public libraries, with examples of activities that have been used successfully. Areas discussed include involving librarians and trustees as fund raisers; group discussion activities to encourage brainstorming; developing strategies based on community resources; and capital fund drive…

Increasingly, college students are choosing to devote their spring breaks to volunteering in community services for the disadvantaged, through alternative spring-break programs administered or coordinated by colleges. Some intend to continue volunteer work after returning to campus. (MSE)

Discusses successful cooperative relationship between school staff and firefighters to bring fire safety education to elementary school students with visits, presentations, contests, and a day-long Fire Expo held each year. (ET)

A project integrated community service learning with community development by involving high school students in conducting a community survey with extension staff. Students learned about needs assessment and their community and were motivated to seek future involvement. The community used information gathered to develop a youth recreation program…

The students in a K-1 class at a Washington elementary school built a mock four-seater airplane with some community assistance. They hired a building contractor (promising him red wriggler worms from the class compost bin) to help design the plane, obtained a Boeing certificate for $500 worth of spare parts, and attended an air show as exhibitors.…