Handwriting is still critical to student success in the classroom; however, schools have been de-emphasizing formal handwriting instruction. This study evaluated the effect of the "Size Matters Handwriting Program" on handwriting legibility and visual-motor skills among kindergarten students in general education classrooms. A two-group…

This Education Trends report examines the different structures and strategies--including the creation of state offices, the consolidation of others, and collaboration and coordination across several state agencies--used in the states to govern early education. State examples and policy considerations are included to provide insight and help…

This article draws from a 23-month ethnographic study of mixed-status families living in an emerging Latino/a community to examine 3 undocumented mothers' participation in the act of giving "testimonio," or testimony. In this context, "testimonio" serves as a grassroots tactic for political advocacy and community formation that…

The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) provides a framework for achieving positive outcomes for youth and families served in residential and community programs. Founded on core principles, an emerging evidence base, and acknowledged best practices, the BBI emphasizes collaboration and coordination between providers, families, youth, advocates, and…

This paper serves as the introduction to the State Children's Cabinets and Councils Series, a set of reports intended to capture and organize the decisions and experiences of more than 20 children's cabinets and councils and present them against an emerging set of expectations about what the public and policy makers could and should expect from…

Children grow and change more rapidly during the first eight years of life than any other time in their life span. Progression through the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional developmental stages varies for each individual child. Children with atypical development experience a wide spectrum of variability in their development. Over the past…

Because federal expenditures for child care services provided under contract are increasing, the U.S. General Accounting Office reviewed federal and state administration of contracts for such services in California and Pennsylvania. Under title IV-A, states receive federal funds for child-care programs to help welfare families move from dependency…

Though most interactions between parents and school personnel about students with disabilities are positive and productive, disagreements can arise. Disputes may range in intensity from minor miscommunications to significant conflicts that trigger the use of procedural safeguards available under federal law. The Individuals with Disabilities…

The need for mental health services coordination is discussed in this report. It is noted that, without coordination, government units and service providers can operate independently and in competition with one another. The move to deinstitutionalization is discussed, including the lack of service coordination resulting from this move and the…

Directors of Pennsylvania's eight formal educational consortia recently met in Harrisburg -- the first meeting of its kind in the nation. (Editor)

This document describes the efforts of program administrators to implement an organic curriculum in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, high school. The chief program administrator coordinated the activities of eight advisory subcommittees, curriculum development personnel, staff development, and community relations. Organic curriculum is a learner-…

Finding a competent technology leader to manage educational technology for a school district can be a daunting task. The technology director plays a vital role in the leadership of instructional technology and related services. This individual is in a position to frame out the vision and direction for how technology can be used in teaching and…

The service delivery model of the Pennsylvania Children and Adolescent Service Systems Program (CASSP) is explained, and the 1983 federal initiative that launched this system is discussed. The federal CASSP initiative was developed to improve systems of care to ensure that the underserved population of children and adolescents with severe…

THE FORD FOUNDATION PROJECT IN PHILADELPHIA (THE GREAT CITIES SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM) IS BASED ON THE BELIEF THAT CHANGES CAN BE MADE IN THE ASPIRATION, ACHIEVEMENT, AND ADJUSTMENT PATTERNS WHICH YOUTH TEND TO FOLLOW UNDER CONDITIONS OF CULTURAL DEPRIVATION. ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES PREVAILING IN THE HOME AND COMMUNITY DIRECTLY AFFECT THE…

THIS STUDY EXAMINES THE PRESENT EXCHANGE OF RESOURCES BY PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMIC AND SPECIAL LIBRARIES AND SUGGESTS MEANS FOR A MORE EFFECTIVE SYSTEM OF COOPERATION, BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE STATE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS AREA. QUESTIONNAIRES WERE SENT TO SPECIAL, COLLEGE, AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES FOR INFORMATION ON INTERLIBRARY LOAN…