The Washington, D.C. school system has a long history of poor academic achievement; however, over the past decade, the District of Columbia has made strides in offering families greater choice about which schools their children attend, thanks to a strong charter school law and the federally funded D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program. District…

An anecdotal account by a Queens (New York) school principal about serving homeless students and their families during the 1988-89 school year. (MLF)

The nation's public schools played a critical role in the response to Hurricane Katrina, and they continue to contribute to the recovery of individual families and entire communities. By enrolling displaced children with compassion and efficiency in areas unaffected by the storms, providing parents with information and assistance, and supporting…

Argues that public schools can be a means of developing and nurturing community. Discusses two forms of community: rule-oriented, contract-bound (gesellschaft) and personal-sharing oriented (gemeinschaft). Suggests modes of skill development necessary for educational leaders. Reflects on ways of integrating homeless children and new immigrants…

In 1984, the Salt Lake City (Utah) school district was one of the first in the nation to set up a public school classroom in a homeless shelter. This book describes one teacher's experiences teaching kindergarten through sixth grade in this "school with no name." Through poignant stories, the book illustrates some lessons learned over 6…