Investigated the inherent dilemma evident in attempts to promote decentralization in urban public schools by examining the situation in the Detroit (Michigan) school system. Results indicate that efforts at promoting decentralization may, over time, produce counterpressures to recentralize decision making. (Author/SLD)

Data from seven large urban areas are examined to determine the relationship between neighborhoods with a high incidence of poverty and social disorganization and low reading achievement. (ST)

Data regarding community participation for 66 school systems enrolling 50,000 or more students show such participation at the local school and districtwide levels for all 66 systems. Sixty-seven percent also report community participation at the decentralized level. (CMG)

Secondary school students who experienced fear of physical aggression were more likely than other students to: (1) avoid certain locations; (2) have few friends in school and little social support at home; (3) receive low grades; (4) have low self-esteem; and (5) have negative attitudes toward school, teachers, and fellow students. (Author/MJL)

This action research project investigated young urban adolescents' perceptions of violence in their school and community. The project involved gathering information about the community; engaging adolescents in creative, interactive activities; collaborating to develop a community photography project to help adolescents represent their perceptions…

Describes the reconstruction and study of a segregated elementary school serving an African-American community before desegregation. Explores the school's role in the community, the nature of the community, local involvement in the school, and the loss to the community when the school was closed in desegregation. (JB)