Supporting youths' STEM dispositions takes an entire community of adults, yet we must understand the dispositions that adults bring to such community efforts, ways they influence youths' learning and are shaped by the community. In this paper, we examine a sociotechnical system called Science Everywhere, which invited the broader community to…

There is considerable evidence that highlights the importance of family involvement in early childhood education and care (ECEC) on children's development and how when combined with professional involvement has a very positive impact on children's holistic development and therefore, quality ECEC. However, in practice, communicating with families…

The purpose of this study was to provide initial evidence of the effectiveness of Check-In/Check-Out-High School (CICO-HS) on high school student outcomes. Check-In/Check-Out-High School is a version of CICO, an established Tier 2 intervention designed to improve student academic and social behavior, adapted to increase effectiveness and…

With a growing number of students with disabilities participating in online distance education, there is a need to explore support strategies that promote their academic success in these virtual environments. For students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), this type of learning environment often lacks the structure and support for them to…

Parent involvement and regular communication between families and their child's school is a hallmark of a high-quality early childhood program. Yet practitioners may struggle to regularly communicate and connect with all families in a meaningful way. Teachers report feeling unprepared to communicate effectively with families, especially those from…

We explore and characterize the use of WhatsApp group instant messaging as part of the social media trend in the context of parental engagement and participation in public schooling. We reveal how this platform is utilized within public school parental interactions, emphasizing the possible benefits as well as obstacles for such technologies in…

Unprecedented changes to family life in the new millennium have left many parents feeling unable to effectively participate in their child's school-based learning. This article presents research which explored enablers and impediments when using social media as part of an inquiry curriculum to promote parent engagement in student learning in one…

Since the introduction of iPads in 2010, the sales of tablet computers and mobile applications (apps) have grown exponentially. iPads and other tablets are marketed as learning tools, and many apps target learners as young as six months old. This article reports on a research project examining the unique features of English learning apps based on…

Describes a screening device, the Barclay Early Childhood Skill Assessment System (BECSAS), which uses teacher, child, and parent input and spells out possible intervention strategies based on specific deficits. Reports the use of the BECSAS to analyze the relationship between parent education level and student skill deficits. (JAC)

An expanded definition of the English curriculum includes a discriminating study of the dominant media in our culture: film, television, and even computers. (Author/JM)

This article, based on the experiences of the Ainsworth (Oregon) Parent Teacher Association, offers a step-by-step guide for parents who wish to bring computers into their children's schools. Ways to build public and school support, do necessary planning and research, evaluate available equipment, and implement the program are suggested. (PP)

Studied a program initiated by a university day-care center designed to increase parent involvement in the following areas: (1) support activities for parents and children; (2) educational activities for parents and children; and (3) leadership activities for parents. Results indicated that support activities helped parents to feel more…

Computer-based education has the power to alter human thinking processes, and this change can be brought about by schools. Research is needed on methods to integrate the computer into classroom instruction. Computer based instruction can increase the student's participation in instructional systems design. (GDC)

Describes the communication program at the Belridge School in California. Asserts that this program forms perhaps the most advanced information/communication community in the world, featuring (1) an applied technology laboratory; (2) a multi-media information center; (3) an educational laboratory for individualized remediation; and (4) year-round…

Educational computing projects profiled focus on computer programing, computer literacy, an electronic bulletin board for math/science research, computer managed instruction for reading, word processing throughout the curriculum, parental participation in computer literacy, and an electronic interstate school newspaper. A list of sources for…