This study focused on parents' relationships and involvement in their children's lives and the effects on the students' school engagement and school performance. The study used the Wave I data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The data on seventh and eighth grade students' school and family experiences were…

In this study we examined the relationships between family demographics and level of satisfaction with school contact as possible determinants of multiple dimensions of family involvement in early childhood education. Participants included 171 urban, Head Start parents (108 mothers and 63 fathers). Results revealed that for mothers, having less…

Parents' involvement in their children's schooling can be justified on various ideological, psychological, philosophical, and educational grounds. Two dominant attitudes prevail toward parent participation: (1) the authoritarian-paternalistic view featuring a one-way teacher-parent relationship; and (2) the parents-as-equal-partners view. The…

Results indicated that parental involvement is related to the child's school performance. In addition, parents are more involved in school activities when the educational status of the mother is higher and when the child is younger. (PCB)

These guidelines for developing cooperative parent-teacher relationships first identify counterproductive practices (such as forcing the parents of children with disabilities into predetermined roles) and then explain helpful strategies, including developing an atmosphere of trust and respect, working toward a truly collaborative relationship, and…

A synthesis of current research, theory, and professional opinion on how children learn to write, this report begins with a brief introduction followed by a discussion of writing readiness that suggests children's eagerness to learn to write. The third chapter examines children's use of writing to extend the functions of speech, drawing, and play,…

The paper, originally given at a 1986 Ethnic and Multicultural Symposium, looks at ways to enhance the involvement of black parents of handicapped adolescents in their educational program. Cultural, social, and economic considerations unique to black families are considered. Improved communication, greater utilization of resources within the black…

Parents of gifted minority children need to be involved in their children's education. Cultural differences and values can present obstacles to communication between parents and the schools. Difficulties in assessment and identification of minority gifted students arise over issues related to parents' perceptions of their child's giftedness, their…

The paper offers approaches for promoting positive relations between school and homes of culturally different students. Teachers and other school personnel should become knowledgeable about different cultural practices and should show respect for the parent's insight and experience. Promoting parent participation may include making arrangements…

Presents study results dealing with student musical aptitude and achievement and the degree of parental involvement. Reports that 113 Pennsylvania wind instrumentalists were studied. Finds little correlation between parental involvement and performance achievement, musical achievement, or musical aptitude. Identifies a significant relationship for…

An explanation of why Asian American students perform better than others in school may lie in the nature of the learning programs they receive at home. The purpose of this paper is to define such programs that account for most of the differences in academic achievement among racial/ethnic groups. Data were used from the National Education…

Family-school partnerships are increasingly touted as a means of improving both student and school improvement. This recognition has led to an increase in policies and initiatives that offer the following benefits: improved communication between parents and educators; home and school goals that are mutually supportive and shared; better…

Describes strategies to assist special education teachers in partnering with families of diverse learners to provide opportunities for family involvement. Discusses the creation of a climate in which diversity enhances rather than challenges the process of intervention with children with disabilities. (CR)

Among the many factors that influence the level and quality of Southeast Asian parents' involvement with schools are parents' literacy level, prearrival education, and strong cultural beliefs. Provides implications for principals and selected resources. (13 references) (MLF)

Specific suggestions are offered to promote the participation of Asian families of young, special-needs children in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process. Suggestions address: enhancing one's own cultural awareness, overcoming language differences, holding effective family conferences, and developing family outcomes in the IFSP.…