In order to meet clientele needs and strengthen family and consumer sciences (FCS) programming, University of Idaho Extension educators expanded their roles through the Horizons program--a community leadership program, funded by the Northwest Area Foundation, aimed at reducing poverty in small rural and reservation communities. This study measured…

An exploratory factorial analysis of the Multicultural and Special Education Survey (MSES) evaluated the professional development training needs of general and special educators in a midwestern state. Survey items were selected from the culturally and linguistically diverse multicultural, bilingual and special education literature bases (CLD). The…

While much has been written on national identity in Northern Ireland, the identity preferences of adults and the young have rarely been compared directly. This paper addresses this omission by examining the relationship between national identity and community relations within both the adult (aged 18 years and above) and the young adult (aged 16…

This study reports the relationship of an undergraduate course in family and community relations to the teaching practices of 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-year elementary and early childhood education graduates of a mid-sized Midwestern university. Sixty students were surveyed using the Peabody Family Involvement Survey (Katz & Bauch, 1999), with a…

Background: Recent research has suggested that intergroup contacts with out-group members can both reduce prejudice and is associated with attitude change. Aim: This study extends prior work in Northern Ireland to examine parental and schooling effects on children's attitudes in a post-conflict environment. Sample: A large-scale cross-sectional…

How education systems operate in divided societies is an increasingly important question for academics and educational practitioners as well as for governments. The question is particularly pertinent in post-conflict societies, where education is a key mechanism for resolving conflict between divided communities. Using Northern Ireland as a case…

In 1995, to determine the nature of law enforcement services provided on college and university campuses, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) surveyed 4-year institutions of higher education with 2,500 or more students. An update to this original study covering the 2004-05 school year was recently completed, providing a unique opportunity to…

This article discusses the results of a CASE survey, compiled in April 2009, which was sent to almost 2,800 members who had previously indicated that community relations were part of their professional responsibilities or interests. The survey suggests that the role and practice of community relations in a public institution is somewhat different…

Instead of employing "inside-outside" marketing via inhouse brochures, newsletters, and websites, public schools should begin practicing "outside-inside" marketing in which strategic planning and then action comes from the marketplace (the community) to the school. Public perceptions are gathered through surveys, focus groups, and indepth…

Community is defined and several methods, ranging from formal research to informal observation, that can be used by a college or university to learn about the community are described. Identifying the influentials in the community is seen as essential. (Author/MLW)

Access to power and recognition of the currents of political life represent the greatest challenge to positioning for the public library and its leader. Clear vision is vital for navigating a multitude of constituencies. The director's hierarchical position may or may not be of value in the quest to fulfill the library's goals. (Author/KRN)

A college or university is a member of a community. Whether it withers or grows depends on its relationships within that community. Institutions can strengthen community ties by organizing advisory councils, conducting economic impact surveys, involving alumni and retired faculty, and encouraging athletic booster clubs. (Author/MLW)

Hard times for higher education will make community understanding and support more important than ever. Institutions must look for creative ways to involve themselves in community relations and community services. Organizing, setting measurable objectives, the urban challenge, serving as information center, promoting campus services, and…

Superintendents (n=89) and school board presidents (n=88) from 89 of the 100 largest school districts in the country are surveyed to identify the major problems confronting large districts. Financial issues and related concerns are the most often identified problems. Critical characteristics of superintendents and districts are discussed. (SLD)