Although researchers have found that family involvement impacts educational outcomes for children, there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding the connection between strengthening families and children's academic success. This study examined what parents' perceptions regarding the internal and external factors that strengthen families who face…

Suggests that standards-based reform is doomed to fail unless states use their newly established, more rigorous standards to develop interventions that provide teachers with the skills and knowledge required to teach to the higher standards and students with additional opportunities to achieve the higher standards. (Author/SLD)

Explores the concept of full-service schools for students at risk, identifying five specific obstacles or cautions that are especially important to consider when full-service schools are being developed. Such schools require understanding of the collaboration process and willingness to make major commitments in time and resources. (SLD)

Discusses results of a study that identified promising practices in both dropout prevention and transition programs for youth at risk in 67 Florida school districts. Practices related to timing (grade range), curriculum, setting, and partnerships are reviewed. (SLD)

Describes the Family Focus for School Success Project, a model program that provides education and support to language minority families in poverty and their children through comprehensive early intervention for children at risk of academic failure because of their home environments. An evaluation of the first year's efforts with 69 families…

Results of a national survey completed by principals of 101 schools provide a comprehensive analysis of current trends in transition programs for adjudicated youth with disabilities in alternative school settings, effectiveness of transition program components, and obstacles to successful transitions. Although progress is being constrained by…