The Development of Education in Fairford : A Community Manual / D. Bruce Sealey and J. Anthony Riffel.

Prepared by independent evaluators at the request of the Interlake Tribal Division for Schools, this report assesses the status of education in Fairford and makes recommendations for comprehensive educational improvements that would enable the community to regain local control of education. The opening sections describe the present situation, noting the poor condition of the physical plant and high rates of student deceleration and dropout. A section on community opinion reports concern over low academic standards and inadequate funding, a strong commitment to education, and an underlying dissatisfaction with the way the school system operates. Goals for education in Fairford are outlined, and recommendations for educational change are considered in sections dealing with: (1) the responsibility of the community through its educational authority for making decisions; (2) parent involvement and responsibilities; (3) student involvement and responsibilities; and (4) effective school organization, staff programs, and practices, including meeting special needs of students, improving student services and counseling, and strengthening school promotion and retention policy. Some topics--increasing student involvement and home-school cooperation, for example--are treated generally by drawing attention to the area of concern and illustrating a variety of alternatives for dealing with the matter. Specific recommendations are made for changes in the structure of the educational system and the creation of an incorporated education authority with an elected board of trustees. The final section, an Action Plan, provides details about responsibility and deadlines for change. (JHZ)

Practitioners. ericd

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.