Effects of Educational Innovations for the Culturally Deprived on Citizen Support for the Schools.

A random sample of the population in each of five Oregon cities was interviewed in 1964 and 1966, to assess the impact on citizen support for the schools of a series of innovative educational programs for the culturally deprived. In general, a change to more favorable attitudes toward the programs was found among both the citizens at large and the program participants during the 3-year research period. The magnitude of this change was found to vary according to the respondents' information level, community involvement level, degree of alienation toward the governmental process in general, personal interests, socioeconomic class, and race. Educational decision makers concerned with the current "taxpayers' revolt" should be aware of these findings, which suggest that educational improvements for the culturally deprived may often increase rather than erode citizen support for the schools. (JH)