Nizipuhwahsin, or Real Speak School, on the Blackfeet Reservation in northwestern Montana, is producing the first fluent Blackfoot speakers in two generations. Based on the "language nest" strategy pioneered in Hawaii and New Zealand, the K-8 school and associated daycare center immerse students and toddlers in the language throughout…

Discusses the importance of communication between schools and communities, as public confidence in schools could be jeopardized if their desires are not in harmony. Describes a survey whose purpose was to compare the community perceptions of a high school with those of the school's teachers. Presents the results and suggestions for change. (AJL)

Randomly selected learning-disabled graduates (n=64) of self-contained classes were surveyed via questionnaire to assess vocational and community adjustment. Most received very few community services or agency support, and 38 were in competitive employment. Most lived with parents or other relatives, and most had a driver's license and car.…

Presents six empirically supported strategies to aid counselors in helping unemployed workers cope with the consequences of job loss: encourage broad sense of self-esteem; maintain activity and daily structure; develop social support networks; encourage external causal attributions; establish links with community resources; and make referrals to…

Presented are the results of a survey of elementary school teachers in the state of Illinois. Results are compared to a previous survey conducted 10 years earlier. Discussed are obstacles to science instruction, teacher training, teacher attitudes, student evaluation, and school and community support. (CW)

Investigates ethnic and nativity differentials in self-employment based on small-business experiences of Korean, Chinese, and Asian Indian immigrants. Uses U.S. Census data to examine intra- and inter-group differences in business participation rates. Finds that each group has substantial intra-group differences. (MW)

Reports the use of a parent survey in building support for a comprehensive secondary level sexuality education program in a rural community in Illinois. Most respondents supported sexuality education even for elementary students. Attitudes varied by demographic characteristics. In contrast to a survey 10 years earlier, parents were unsure of…

Peaceful, systemic, educational reform may be achieved by clearly articulating and responding to differences of opinion in four conflict areas: safe passage for traditionalist Christian students, opt-in policies for controversial course materials, parents' rights, and child-centered curricula. Authentic assessment based on community values…

This article highlights several strategies that are crucial for successful school-community relations: (1) know your audience and build a relationship with them; (2) identify key influential constituents; (3) make budget information available and interesting; and (4) ask instead of tell. (LMI)

Describes how the Magwood Public Library (Cook County, Illinois) successfully passed a $6.5 million tax referendum. Recommends showing the need for expansion, hiring an architectural firm to conduct a feasibility study, detailing the costs, securing community support, emphasizing cost effectiveness, and promoting the proposal. (AEF)

Leisure time planning for aging adults with mental retardation is still in its early stages. The article discusses related research, noting patterns of social support and interaction, leisure involvement, leisure related programs, and community integration. The challenge for the future will be to meet individual leisure needs with limited…

Presents six position statements for developing a multicultural arts curriculum. Suggests strategies for implementing curricula and resources for gathering community information. Provides examples of implementation, including a sample interview to use with artists and sample questions to ask students when analyzing works of art. (KM)

The history of the Caswell County (North Carolina) Training School, a segregated African-American school, shows that the community and school supported each other in ways that do not fit current definitions of parent involvement. Adopting some of the methods of the Caswell School might help today's African-American parents and schools improve…

Describes one inner-city school district's struggles with old buildings and community apathy that has caused no school funding issues to be passed in two decades. Showing the school district's ability to give value back to the neighborhood is considered an important element in changing public opinion. (GR)

Describes the efforts of two teachers to construct a pond and woods on school grounds. The teachers used specialized student teams for working on a wetland study and the building project. An advisory committee including teachers, the principal, and the custodian worked through maintenance issues. Relates teaching surprises associated with the…