The purpose of this report is threefold: to provide a brief overview of national dropout issues--both data and risk factors, with emphasis on those in rural areas--and then focusing on the particular factors that have the greatest impact on students in Mississippi; present the critical challenges for rural areas; and finally to recommend…

For more than two decades, the concept of student engagement has grown from simple attention in class to a construct comprised of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components that embody and further develop motivation for learning. Similarly, the goals of student engagement have evolved from dropout prevention to improved outcomes for lifelong…

Describes one family's use of a journal to record family history and daily observations. Points out that family journals increase family unity and help teach children the value of writing. (ARH)

Authors Heath and McLaughlin respond to the previous critique by Dorothy Rich pointing out that any disagreement between Rich and themselves has more to do with interpretation than intent. (MD)

The article examines variations in communication of cultural-linguistic minority children at home and in school and describes a communicative match/mismatch model. Implications of educational policy and program development are noted. (CL)

This paper presents an approach to voice therapy with adolescents, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial and family influences as they relate to vocal behavior. The goals of therapy for the adolescent with dysphonia usually follow an orderly sequence, first dealing with individual behavior and later with family and peer group influences. (JDD)

The home environment of a hearing impaired child should be viewed in terms of six variables: academic aspirations and expectations, language use and development, stimulation to explore and discuss ideas and events, academic guidance and support, family's work habits, and parental integration of the hearing impairment into the home. (CL)

This workshop discussion guide identifies experiences that the family contributes to the life-long learning, growth and achievement of children and adults. In narrative form, the presentation proceeds metaphorically. Family life is seen as a "school curriculum" complete with instruction in three content areas: (1) SELF-CONCEPT (courses offered…

Critiques conclusions made by Shirley Brice Heath and Milbrey McLaughlin in their April 1987 Phi Delta Kappan article, "A Child Resource Policy: Moving Beyond Dependence on School and Family." The author takes issue with assumptions about the family that she feels are misleading, unclear, and in need of additional information. (MD)

Presents detailed descriptions of two intergenerational literacy programs currently functioning to meet family literacy needs. (MG)

Parent involvement in the classroom is important for student success. Though the idea is not new, invovlement is more difficult to achieve with today's changing families. The article notes advantages to parent involvement, describes how to get parents involved, and examines potential problems teachers may encounter. (SM)

Examines gender variant childhood development from a holistic viewpoint where children and environments are understood as a unit. Discusses the recognition of gender identity, the adaptation process through which gender variant children handle the stress of their environment, and the overall developmental tasks of a transgendered childhood.…

This monograph reviews research on the influence of family life on juvenile delinquency and adult crime. Families are strong socializing forces. Parents teach children to control their behavior and respect others' rights; however, parents can also teach aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior. Research shows that children with parents who are…

Five articles address issues in family support systems for persons with disabilities. Peter Mittler, Hellie Mittler and Helen McConachie present a set of general principles designed to encourage the development of genuine partnerships between professionals and parents in "Working Together: Guidelines for Partnership between Professionals and…

The systems approach for learning disabilities provides a contextual perspective which incorporates both school and family considerations. Research on families with a learning disabled child is reviewed. Family factors which facilitate adjustment of the learning disabled child are explored. Implications for assessment and intervention as well as…