Editors' Introduction
Sam Stringfield and John Hollifield

These are not quiet times in American education generally, and in Title I education in particular. As this issue goes to press, the Congress has restored the 17% cuts proposed earlier. With inflation at between 2% and 3%, this “flat” budget is, in effect, a small cut in Title I funding. Having faced the prospect of a 17% cut, local educators are likely to be breathing a large sigh of relief. We are relieved for educators, and even more for the students educators serve

In the communication section of this issue, Mary Jean Le Tendre addresses “Flexibility and New Opportunities for Supporting School Reform Through Title I.” We give Le Tendre, as well as Janet Carroll (“Expanding Advocacy”), complete freedom in choosing their topics and their orientations toward their topics. We are particularly delighted that Le Tendre continues to use this open opportunity to discuss many issues that we see as central to the success of both Title I and the Journal of Education for Students Placed At Risk (JESPAR). We want local educators to be fully aware of the range of programming options available to them through Title I. As Le Tendre notes, the available range has never been so great.

Carroll returns to a topic that will probably be more and more central to educators over the next few years. Quite simply, we all must learn to become better advocates for our children, not only seeking support for Title I, but also seeking support for the full range of social programs that combine to meet children’s needs. When JESPAR was created, one of our intentions was to provide a method of communication from the federal Title I director and from the elected president of the National Association of State Coordinators of Compensatory Education (NASCCE) directly to the broadest possible audience of local educators and policy people We believe this goal is being achieved. As part of the natural flow of the NASCCE, Carroll, having ably served, is stepping down form the organization’s presidency.We want to thank her for taking time from her very busy schedule to write three valuable pieces for JESPAR. Beginning with the next issue, Mitzi Beach, the new NASCCE president, will be providing her insights. We look forward to her contributions as much as we thank Carroll for hers.

Actively involving all families in school partnerships is one of the national education goals.The Educate America Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Clinton, similarly speaks to the importance of families in improving education. This issue of JESPAR devotes three case studies and an extended review of implications and programs to family involvement.We are continuing our method of linking practical case study examples with articles that cover practical progress more broadly. Our two book reviews, Lea Hubbard’s review of Kozol’s Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation and Stephen Woolworth’s review of McLaughlin, Irby, and Langman’s Urban Sanctuaries: Neighborhood Organizations in the Lives and Futures of Inner-City Youth complete this issue by examining the role of community in shaping the educational possibilities perceived by young people.