As the 50th anniversary of the landmark "Brown v. Board of Education" decision arrives, a notably gesellschaftliche (individualist, freedom-oriented, rationalist) paradigm in the education policy agenda prevails. That is to say, in the wake of a series of Supreme Court decisions and the proliferation of publicly funded, ethnocentric charter…

The "Brown v. Board of Education" of 50 years ago was perhaps the most significant school reform implemented in American education. The goal of this landmark decision was to end public school segregation and introduce racially integrated schools. Now in the 21st century and clearly in the shadows of this decision, we argue that the hope and…

The number of African American teachers and principals in the nation's schools has declined precipitously since the legal decision rendered in "Brown v. Board of Education." In this article I explore the historical and contemporary reasons for the decline in the numbers of African American educators in U.S. public schools and relate the negative…

The task of achieving and maintaining good school community relations has never been easy, but new challenges bring with them a new urgency. Now, more than ever before, it is imperative for school districts to recognize and embrace community education. The community education philosophy strives to be all-inclusive. In a broad sense, it enables the…

Education in the 21st century must respond to the needs of an increasingly diverse school community and all of its stakeholders. Changes in both the United States and the broader global society call for updated knowledge and new skills. The primary goal of school community relations is to create an understanding among everyone in a community…

Schools are facing major problems today that are only marginally addressed by most reform initiatives or by standards-based federal and state legislation. New and different strategies are required if schools are to adequately serve their students and communities. This article demonstrates that service-learning is one dynamic way to promote school…

At the center of the social construction and interpretation of education sits the fourth estate. Through ideological media "voices," in part, education's meaning and the social reality in which schools reside are constructed for and with the community. This study looks at one vehicle of popular and influential communication overlooked by…

The professional discipline of strategic public relations offers many benefits to organizations. It helps them prevent and mitigate crises. It allows them to identify and manage issues that may interfere with their goals and objectives. It also leads them in building and maintaining quality relationships with strategic publics. However, can the…

This article addresses an important need--the dissemination of information relating to technology as a public relations tool--and the associated exigency for administrator and teacher technology training. Specifically, we identify the increased expectations for the performance of school leaders and teachers, as well as unresolved issues in public…

The purpose of this research was to ascertain teacher perceptions of and involvement in website development, maintenance, and appropriateness. One hundred two teachers responded to a web-based survey asking them about their school or district websites. The role of teachers in this endeavor appears appropriate but underutilized. Overall, teachers…

In an interview, a school district director of communication shares his experiences about the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Ontario and offers timely advice for practitioners, including a proactive communications team and coordination of information with state and local health, police, and fire departments. (MLF)

Addresses the sources of dissatisfaction from parents who had removed their children from public schools to begin home schooling. Implications for public schools' community relations and practice specifically focus on three areas of greatest concern: student grouping practices, peer relationships, and the extension of the school day via homework.…

Survey results provide insights into school policies and procedures, leadership, teaching methodology, and the quality of instruction offered by schools. Offers a road map for improving school-community relations. (MLF)

Complex issues in the educational environment often require sound legal counsel. Effective representation assists the district in controlling legal issues that could potentially burden the operation of the school. Offers advice regarding selecting, retaining, and effectively communicating with legal counsel. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/MLF)

Describes National School Public Relations Association standards for school public relations and communications professionals and program. Includes reactions and comments about new Association standards from seven superintendents and four school public-relations professionals. (PKP)