This booklet surveys the possibilities in instituting a 4-day school week, an approach which has gained favor in some small school districts. The history of the 4-day week and its characteristics are first described. Drawing on case studies of districts that have begun the 4-day schedule, the authors enumerate the steps in proposing and…

A study of community college funding in Maryland found that the Community College of Baltimore (CCB) faces unique educational circumstances warranting additional state aid. These circumstances largely result from the special needs of Baltimore City, which has a disproportionate concentration of the state's poor and dependent citizens, the greatest…

Designed as a resource tool to aid the California State Senate in making the policy decisions defining the mission and future of California's community colleges, this report provides a historical introduction to the community college system and detailed information on programs, student populations, governance policies, faculty and staff, and…

Effective schools provide at-risk students with a community of support that encourages school membership and educational engagement. This study describes effective dropout prevention programs, develops a generalizable, theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between at-risk students and their schools, and suggests local and state…

There is a lack of information about the problems of underclass people and the effects of their situation on their children. Views on this issue were sought from young corporate and community leaders. The responses showed a high level of concern and a need for more knowledge about the effectiveness of early intervention programs for these…

The participants in this conference were in virtual agreement that improvement in urban public education is largely dependent on economic and racial equity and that schools, colleges, and businesses must unite through collaborative projects to ensure this improvement. Papers presented were the following: (1) Businessman: "Private Sector…

This report presents an update of the facts surrounding adolescent alcohol and drug abuse and provides resources to assist school boards in developing effective school policies addressing the problem. The prevalence of drug and alcohol use among young people is demonstrated by the results of a survey of the high school class of 1986. Areas of…

Describes seven main power tactics used by teacher unions in strike situations. Recommends a program of advocacy communication strategies that school boards can follow in fostering positive community relations before and during a strike. (IW)

In their 2004 State of the State speeches, the nation's governors cited many issues competing for their attention and their states' resources, including health care, education, crime, and security (Nodine 2004). Among the most compelling challenges were those related to economic development and the ability of a state's workforce to meet the needs…

In six policy areas, states can better equip rural community colleges to serve their communities. In the area of economic and community development, states can use rural community colleges to promote community development efforts and service learning and to provide small business assistance and entrepreneurship education. States can improve access…

This report describes program realities that policymakers must consider when shaping after-school initiatives in impoverished neighborhoods. Information comes from the multi-year evaluation of the Extended-Service Schools Adaptation Initiative, which is examining 60 after-school programs in 17 cities nationwide. Each initiative is adapting one of…

This publication presents Montgomery County, Maryland's plan for empowering the educational community by organizing the necessary resources, knowledge, and skills to fulfill the promise of success for every student. The four main goals are: to ensure success for every student; to provide an effective instructional program; to strengthen productive…

Asserts that exposure to high-quality arts performances with accompanying educational experiences enlivens teaching and learning. Maintains that few schools have taken advantage of opportunities provided by arts-presenting institutions. Describes resources from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. (CFR)

This book shows how school leaders at all levels "from the most senior manager to the classroom teacher" can help to build learning communities through collaborating and negotiating with their colleagues, students and students' parents and carers, as well as with external agencies and local communities, to sustain and develop the…

This report describes and analyzes state support for higher education in fiscal year 1995 in tables, graphs, and text. The report provides: an analysis of funding trends nationwide; a national map showing percentages of 2-year gains for all states; a table showing appropriations amounts by state for the most recent 3 years as well as percentage…