Although the District of Columbia school board requested additional study on student performance in schools where private firms currently have contracts, the superintendent explains his rationale for requesting private management for some 10 to 15 schools. (MLF)

Examines issues of gangs and youth violence. Provides statistics and other information on weapons in schools, crime in schools, gang effects on truancy and dropout rates, gang activity, appeal of membership, recruitment, ethnic groups, new gang types (white Supremist and "stoner" gangs and Satanic cults), preventive efforts, and community…

The New Community School in Lafayette, Indiana, a parent-run school, and Ann Arbor's Community High School demonstrate the challenges of running alternative schools (in finances, organization, and member burnout) and the sense of community that evolves in the process. (SK)

Advocates community unification as opposed to individualism and privatization. Addresses the need for inclusion of social dimensions of faith in both Catholic education and sacramental preparation. (YKH)

Provides several different definitions for the concept of solidarity and stresses the need to act on its principles of unity and helping those in need. Describes various outreach activities that church members have participated in and urges others to work toward unification. (YKH)

The El Paso Collaborative for Academic Excellence is a communitywide initiative to help teachers and principals bring students to higher standards. High-school principals can help establish K-16 standards by gathering community leaders, bridging lower and upper grades, helping teachers translate standards into practice, and aligning standards with…

The Greendale (Wisconsin) School District uses sophisticated, two-way communication and marketing strategies to find out community concerns, gain a better understanding of all the groups in the district, create trust, and put constructive criticism to good use. "Relationship" marketing actively seeks out input from both supporters and…

Discusses the importance of competitions for gifted students and offers practical tips and techniques for utilizing competitions, not only to enhance talents, but also to nurture positive relationships between the school and community. Gives an example of a community's involvement in supporting competitions. (Author/CR)

To overcome cynicism, a New Jersey superintendent used his bully pulpit to convene community members in dialog about their schools' future. Enlightened public engagement led to facility improvements, technology infrastructure funding, expanded afterschool programs, critical-issues forums, state-aide advocacy efforts, and a culture of…

Public confidence figured significantly in the Rockwood (Missouri) School District's improvement efforts. Rockwood's public-engagement strategy is based partly on meeting people where they live and work and partly on Spotlight Productions, a conceptual visual and performing arts/community-education center that allows observation of school programs…

Describes a regional collaborative designed to help high schools develop the capacity to implement sustainable reforms, explaining the two project phases: skill-building workshops and local implementation plans. Site teams of teachers, administrators, and community members participated. Researchers collected participants' feedback and made four…

This study of public libraries in Ohio explored whether voluntary state public library standards will be complied with to the same extent by smaller and larger libraries. Findings indicate that library size, as measured by population and income, is a factor in two categories of standards components: community input and library management. Contains…

Discusses several qualitative benchmarks of Amish schools underlying the movement's growth in Indiana. Surveys Amish cultural history and cultural values relevant to schooling and discusses the Old Order Amish school setting and curriculum. Analyzes this unique educational environment from perspectives of three Amish cultural values: the…

Draws upon the history of the American town meeting as a vehicle for understanding this institution. Considers how a New England public school district has used town meetings effectively as a reform vehicle. Town meetings should be considered an honorable, truly democratic forum, not a symbolic gesture to improve public relations. (24 references)…

Christopher, Illinois, a rural, economically depressed community of 2,800, is reaping the benefits from two innovative, community-based technology programs. The Christopher High School District established its award-winning technology program in 1995. The Christopher Elementary School District implemented a similar plan in 1996. Both initiatives…