The outcomes of deinstitutionalization programs for criminals and the mentally ill have not matched expectations. Community alternatives have become extensions of the penal system. For the chronically mentally ill, granting the negative right of freedom from organized interference has often meant denial of the right to care and attention.…

Six educators comment on a previous article in this issue. Several writers emphasize the importance of good leadership in school goal-setting rather than mere surveying of public opinion. Others condone the use of community surveys for goal-setting, if properly used. (JM)

In some Alaska Native communities, dominant society schools are powerful symbols of relationships such as political control, social domination, and cultural hegemony. Awareness of these symbolic associations can help school staff understand the implications of their roles and the resentment of village residents. (SV)

Discusses the dualism of literacy and education as an individual possession and communally embedded commodity within many segments of the African-American community, drawing on information from 25 adults. Literacy is an ever-changing continuous activity shaped by cultural and community beliefs about the price of education and rewards of learning.…

Explores community, contrariness, and cottage farming with author Gene Logsdon. Discusses the value of living, working, and playing with one's children (including home schooling) and the pitfalls of careerists isolating themselves from the community. Maintains that diversity is an essential part of the cottage farming lifestyle and leads to…

It is argued that colleges tend to have a high opinion of themselves and would be wise to learn how their various publics (community, business community, guidance counselors, college-bound students, parents, current students, alumni, staff) perceive them. Comparison with competitors and monitoring of change over time is also recommended. (MSE)

Peace, though pursued, is often presented in the literature as an elusive and somewhat ethereal state that seldom is attained. However, African American communities in this country have historically developed and maintained effective, collaborative, working alliances that have assisted in individual and group survival under the most adverse…

Within the next 3 years, every school district in the country is likely to deal with a new and frightening challenge--dealing with the presence of students or staff members with HIV infection or AIDS. How schools respond to this challenge may well determine the future of U.S. education. Some communities may react with ignorance and fear, just as…

More than one-third of U.S. newspapers use various kinds of systematic survey research other than that provided by Gallup or Harris, and broadcast networks have polling units that are part of their news divisions. However, as most of the media employ them, opinion polls provide a genuine basis for "broad, sweeping generalizations." News…

Based on the premise that science and technology directly affect a wide range of personal activities and impact policy issues of national and international importance, this report aims to show why it matters that all sections of the public should have some understanding of science and to stimulate action by scientists and others to improve this…

Two papers by experienced Teacher Corps project personnel describing techniques and approaches used in the development of community-based education are presented in this document. The first paper, by Elaine P. Witty and Yvonne B. Miller, explores methods for identifying educational needs perceived by the community, including group discussions,…

This paper constitutes the Chicago Urban League's criticism of "Access to Excellence," the voluntary school desegregation plan proposed by the Chicago Board of Education. It is held that the plan will probably do more harm than good toward the desegregation of Chicago Public Schools. The Urban League claims that "Access to…

Discusses several incidents of censorship involving adolescent literature at the publisher level, school level, and teacher level. Suggests ways for educators to combat censorship in these areas. (MM)

Considers nature and extent of child abuse by examining the cultural context within which abuse takes place; the different forms of abuse and effects on the family; the extent of the problem, particularly among different social classes; and the role of the teacher. (DST)

This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of centralized versus local control of schools. It concludes that our traditional conflict between Jeffersonian and Hamiltonian perspectives makes it possible for us to avoid a permanent imbalance between centrist imperatives and the need to maintain rural strength. (PB)