Whole-School Reform / Jim McChesney.

This Digest describes several programs designed to foster successful school reform, and examines the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (CSRD) Program, recently approved by Congress. Whole-school (or comprehensive) reform includes a cross-disciplinary set of nationwide and local programs, dedicated to the intellectual and personal nurturing of all children, based on home, school, and community involvement. The New American Schools (NAS), a private organization founded in 1991, promotes some of these programs by designing goals, training personnel, and providing assistance for programs such as these: America's Choice Design Network, ATLAS Communities, Co-NECT Schools, Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, Modern Red Schoolhouse, Purpose-Centered Education--The Audrey Cohen College System of Education, Roots and Wings, and Urban Learning Centers. Other comprehensive programs are the Comer Model (School Development Program), Success For All, Paideia Program, Coalition of Essential Schools, and Schoolwide Projects. According to a RAND report, two factors critical for success are that educators have a full understanding of the program design and be allowed to implement a program of their own free will. General funding requirements and qualifications for CSRD funding, available from July 1, 1998 through September 30, 2000, are included. (Contains lists of 11 resources and 5 websites.) (RIB)

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