In fall 1982, a telephone survey was conducted to determine the attitudes and opinions of residents of the Wayne County Community College (WCCC) District toward the college and its programs. Study findings, based on usable interviews with 295 District residents, included the following: (1) 35% of the respondents named WCCC as the community college…

Describes a study conducted in southeastern Washington to determine public opinion regarding several educational options. Compares study results obtained through structured interviews with adult residents at a randomly selected sample of households with results obtained by mailing questionnaires to all remaining households in the area. (AYC)

Describes a survey conducted in St. Petersburg, Florida, to answer diagnostic questions about the need for Catholic schools in the diocese. Looks at study findings and by-products, such as an increased concern for Catholic school education and community participation in educational planning. (DMM)

Describes a pilot study conducted by the special Phi Delta Kappa commission to determine why people gained or lost confidence in education and schools. Results indicate attitudes are major factors influencing confidence in public schools. Suggests working on attitude improvement and developing programs and efforts based on periodic needs-sensing…

Guidelines are provided for designing and conducting a telephone opinion poll of the community. Issues discussed in the first part of this guide include determining the proper sample size, drawing a representative sample of the general adult population or of voters, selecting phone numbers, making call-backs, obtaining the proper male-female…

To assess perceptions and opinions about the local bilingual education program, 179 randomly selected individuals were surveyed by telephone and 37 Spanish-speaking individuals were interviewed in Spanish. Results showed that the majority felt bilingual education was the best way for Spanish-speaking children to learn English and funding should be…

The essays in this collection argue that community colleges have much to gain by seeking out and maintaining positive recognition of the features that distinguish them from other colleges in the region and state. In addition, the sourcebook contains articles discussing the process of conducting a search for institutional distinctiveness and ways…

This article describes a research model that can help curriculum developers document both curriculum practices in the schools and perceptions of those practices by scholars, state department of education staff, teachers, and others. The model was developed to guide the collection of research data for John Goodlad's "Study of Schooling." (PP)

In 1984, the San Bernardino Communty College District (SBCCD) conducted a survey of community leaders to assess the impact the colleges in the district had on these people and to determine their opinions on college mission and performance. Prominent individuals in business, communications, government, education, and political offices were asked to…

The community and the public school system are on a head-on collision course. Community concerns are taxes, poor teaching, and school responsibility for social ills. Educators "know" what is best and perceive challenges as threats to their integrity. The situation intensifies in rural settings. Good communication can alleviate dissonance/mistrust.…

A telephone survey of 286 Anne Arundel County residents was conducted to determine community perceptions of Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), as well as the respondents' plans for education and training in the near future. Study findings included the following: (1) the respondents rated the reputation of AACC higher than most state…

In 1987, a study was conducted by the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (JSRCC) to identify the level and kinds of educational training wanted by residents of the Creighton and Hillside public housing developments, the support and assistance RRHA might offer residents to gain employment,…

Describes a study to determine the correspondence between community values about education/school and the nature of the actual structures that exist in the Catholic schools in the suburban Midwest community that was surveyed. Compares community attitudes and school structures concerning educational goals, curriculum content, educational support,…

In 1981-82, a community needs assessment study was conducted to assist Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) in improving programs, meeting educational needs, evaluating promotional efforts, facilitating attendance, providing information to the community, evaluating program quality, and planning programs. A survey, sent to 1,173 SCCC…

AEL works with state educational entities to help schools become higher-performing learning communities. AEL's current partnership with Lincoln County (West Virginia) began about 6 months after the state board of education assumed administrative control of the county school system, citing major deficiencies in the system. AEL provided facilitative…