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Enrolling Community Support

NCJ Number
75387
Journal
Journal of Research and Development in Education Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1978) Pages: 84-94
Author(s)
M Steele
Date Published
1978
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article defines the community education concept and describes community education programs with emphasis on research on the effect of this program on school vandalism rates.
Abstract
Community education programming originated during the 1930's as an attempt to promote school use during evening, summer, and weekend periods. The program emphasizes community involvement. Two studies on the effect of community education on vandalism have been conducted. One study indicated that the program was effective in reducing vandalism and some types of general crime in the community; the other study revealed no relationship between community education and this problem. Community education programs in Flint, Mich., have been effective in reducing racial antagonism, student alienation, and school crime. Vandalism rates have remained constant. A community school in Atlanta, Ga., has suffered minimal vandalism damage because it is occupied in the evening and because it is constructed of damage-resistant materials. The Dana Witmer School in Pontiac, Mich., is another community school which has suffered little damage from vandalism, despite the fact that it is designed for easy access. Nine references are included.