Although many studies make important contributions to understanding the process and outcomes of school-based parent involvement initiatives, more work needs to be done to measure parent perceptions of parent involvement practices, policies, and barriers in low SES schools serving minority students. This qualitative case study looked to identify…

Making Connections was the Annie E. Casey Foundation's signature place-based, community-change initiative of the 2000s. It sought to build on previous work and launch an effort focused firmly on the framework of family strengthening. The Foundation started Making Connections in 22 places, focusing eventually on first 10, then seven sites. It…

This paper will describe a five year research project of a teaching strategy whereby pre-service credential students at a southern California university were taught to develop and apply science curriculum to parents of elementary-aged English as a Second Language students. The paper will elaborate upon the importance of parental engagement in…

Controversy rages over whole-language/phonics approaches to reading instruction, giving critics great school-bashing opportunities. Districts that have successfully incorporated whole language generally have planned for change, involved parents, proceeded slowly, built in ongoing professional development, provided adequate resources, reassured…

THE GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF EDUCATION FOR GIFTED PUPILS DO NOT DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE FOR ALL PUPILS, EVERY CHILD SHOULD BE HELPED TO MAKE THE MOST OF HIS POTENTIALITIES. WITH ACADEMICALLY TALENTED STUDENTS, THE FOLLOWING GOALS NEED SPECIAL EMPHASIS--ACHIEVEMENT OF BASIC SKILLS OF LEARNING TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE PUPIL'S ABILITY,…

Father involvement enhances children's well-being. A growing body of research supports this conclusion, showing that children with involved fathers exhibit greater school readiness, increased cognitive development, higher levels of empathy, and other positive characteristics (Administration for Children and Families 2004a). Research also indicates…

In anticipation of the 1994 reauthorization of the Head Start Act, this oversight hearing sought testimony from California county government grantees managing groups of Head Start facilities, program directors, teachers, parents, and other participants. Following introductory comments by subcommittee members, Andrew Kennedy, senior Head Start…

The analogy of pregnancy and birth is used to describe the founding of a Waldorf-style charter school in southern California. Advice is given for dealing with the sponsoring district, bureaucracy, politics of educational reform, standardized testing, and parent community. Sidebars present the mission statement, grant excerpts, timeline, required…

The California State Department of Education and 33 California school districts contributed articles to this compendium focusing on the assessment of educational needs. It is noted that a crucial stage in the development of effective programs for pupils, as well as for requesting State and Federal funds, is the assessment of educational needs. A…

This handbook, designed for classroom teachers, administrators, and parents of limited-English-proficient (LEP) children, describes aspects of successful bilingual education program design. In general, the handbook's focus is on school settings with large numbers of LEP students. Chapter 1 reviews research findings on effective program design and…

Overviews the development of a California homeschooling support group into a successful charter homeschooling program. Currently, the HomeBased Partnership has 72 enrolled children ages 5-14 and 3 staff members. The program encompasses 2 "open days," each 5 hours long, in which children of all ages meet with friends, use classroom…

This report represents a research design oriented toward a descriptive and analytical treatment of selected data pertaining to the development, operation, and evaluation of the Park Four-Quarter Plan; covers a 3-year period (the school years 1969-70, 70-71, and 71-72); and gives a brief background covering the development of the program. Study…

High attrition rate and under representation of educationally disadvantaged youth in vocational education programs were the policy issues behind the development and piloting of the Consolidated Services Demonstration Project in seven California high schools. The three-year project sought to integrate the separated programs for compensatory,…

This publication is intended to be used by school districts in California that are in the process of developing district and individual school master plans for restructuring educational programs for kindergarten and grades 1-3. A number of considerations pertinent to development of these master plans are outlined: (1) district- and school-level…

This booklet describes seven special education programs considered exemplary within the state of California. Details of program development, staff involvement, and exemplary program components are provided, as are aspects of the selection process. Projects are drawn from efforts by elementary and secondary schools, demonstration schools, county…