This article describes a three-year qualitative study on how youth of color in one community-based organization, Durham Community Youth, used the mentor text, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "What's your life's blueprint?" speech, as a reflective tool to transform themselves and their community. Using a critical literacy framework, the…

The number of youth experiencing homelessness in the United States has nearly doubled over the past decade from 688,000 in 2006 to over 1.3 million as of 2017. While graduating high school is a significant barrier for many students experiencing homelessness, many youth are able to successfully graduate despite their unstable living conditions.…

This article draws on an ethnographic study of a media program serving Hmong immigrant youth to illuminate perspectives and practices of teaching and learning that draw on Hmong culture's emphasis on family and collectivism. Our explication is guided by the following question: How do a Hmong adult youth program advisor and Hmong youth connect as…

Educational researchers, leadership, and policymakers have had the privileged voices and place from which to theorize and address educational inequities. But for some exceptions, nondominant families have been relegated to participation in school-centric "parent involvement" activities. Drawing from a participatory design-based research…

The National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) shows a civic knowledge gap similar to the achievement gap, showing urban youth struggling in particular. However, research has shown that urban youth can be civically engaged when they are involved in projects or organizing intended to improve community conditions, not simply absorbing civic…

In this article, the author argues that urban school reform falters, in part, because of the lack of an organized political constituency among the stakeholders with the most direct interest in school improvement, that is, parents whose children attend urban schools. The author examines community organizing as a potential strategy to build such a…

Describes the successful efforts of New York City's Black community to improve schools for Blacks in the 1830s and 40s. Presents a case study of the New York Society for the Promotion of Education among Colored Children, which promoted greater attendance and higher achievement. (KH)

Explores effectiveness of interorganizational networks for impacting on public policy at local level. Examines efforts of community organizations in Columbus, Ohio, to increase citizen participation in school desegregation. Urges that resource sharing become the norm in community action. (RDN)

Determines inner-city community perspectives on quality education; phrases these findings in the context of beginning teacher language, experience, and thinking; and provides advice for beginning classroom teachers. Study findings reveal a number of practices for successful teacher practice, the problems faced by high school students, and teacher…

Argues that community-based organizations can improve the quality and relevance of school-to-work programs, integrating secondary schools into broader community economic development initiatives. Case studies of four school and community-based organization partnerships illustrate the process in action for school-to-work programs. (SLD)