Presents a student study of the growing conditions of the Water Hyacinth and its effect on the food chain. Describes the different phases of the project including fieldwork, a public awareness survey, public involvement, control programs, and conclusions. A vignette describes beneficial uses of the Water Hyacinth. (MCO)

Introduces networking projects for studying rivers and water quality. Describes two projects in South Africa (Project W.A.T.E.R and SWAP) associated with the international network, Global Rivers Environmental Education Network. Discusses water test kits and educational material developed through Project W.A.T.E.R. (Water Awareness through…

Maintains that involvement in community service develops civic responsibility in students. Provides examples of community service projects from a Close-Up Project, a Civic Achievement Award Program (CAAP), and an elementary curriculum, "Education for Citizenship." Shows community service is appropriate for all grade levels. Includes teacher…

This commentary discusses issues from EC 231 901 on services for mentally retarded individuals: emphasis on structural features of the environment rather than its functional dynamics; developmental progress and personal well-being of the individual superseding ideological and civil liberties missions; and the multifaceted role of scientists as…

Analysis of service needs of families caring for 571 young adults with mental retardation found that requests for community living were related more to family stressors than to characteristics of the young adult or participation in regular daytime activities. Services most requested were those representing normalizing activities. (Author/JDD)

This study of 32 adults with mental retardation found substantial differences in the types of environmental support provided in group homes after transfer from large state institutions. Differences in community adjustment occurred for residents placed in group homes with significantly different functional features. Several factors interacted to…

Asserts that music can maintain its own integrity as a discipline and still be part of a holistic educational experience for children. Describes how performance "showcases" or interdisciplinary student group presentations highlight student learning and enhance motivation. Discusses positive results and barriers to full implementation of…

The process used in Papua New Guinea to integrate national and district health planning in a decentralized setting is described, highlighting the key elements of participation, learning by doing, and integration. The importance of this three-pronged approach for program development and application is discussed. (SLD)

Describes the community service learning activities of the University Year for Action (UYA) program of the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) through Friendly House. Student volunteers from UYA and its successor program allowed Friendly House to go back to its settlement house roots in providing services. (SLD)

Outlines connections between community service experiences and preparing young people for participatory citizenship in a democratic society, identifying components of democratic education practices, distinguishing characteristics that promote democratic citizenship education, and describing several community service learning projects. (SLD)

Strategies for the adaptation of Head Start for the economic and social conditions of the future involve the linkage of early childhood and family support approaches with community economic development. Such strategies must include a reappraisal of mental health models to ensure the health of children and their families. (SLD)

The outcome evaluation of a Drug-Free Schools and Community Program using a case-study design and pattern-matching logic in elementary schools and high schools is described, including the use of a panel survey and qualitative interviews. The elementary school case matched predicted outcome, but the high school case did not. (SLD)

A survey of 518 service providers found high levels of knowledge and adherence to values of inclusion regarding the need to provide opportunities for engaging consumers with disabilities in community daily activities and rights for services. Employees had less knowledge of activities intended to provide opportunities to make choices. (Author/CR)

Provides an overview of indigenous-education programs in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Discussion focuses on the historical context that has seen consistent attempts to eradicate the languages and life ways of Native Americans. Case studies are presented that illustrate the role of indigenous-language-education programs in…

This first of three consecutive articles examines trends for the future that emphasize libraries expanding their role in the community and individuals becoming more involved. Discusses the library as the community center for civic renewal, library as navigator, and library as coalition builder. Presents comments from librarians on reasons for and…