The Families and Schools Together (FAST) Program is a family-support program that helps schools build strong relationships with families of children aged 6-9 experiencing behavioral or academic difficulties. A recent study examined FAST's application in San Antonio, Texas, focusing on six community-building strategies. (Contains 29 references.)…

Although a substantial literature examines the outcomes of family involvement in education, and the family and school characteristics that support or deter such involvement, we know little about the role of national nonprofit intermediary organizations in family educational involvement. This article argues that intermediary organizations play a…

Based on information from the School Transition Study, sponsored by the MacArthur Network on Successful Pathways through Middle Childhood, this Early Childhood Digest focuses on enhancing communication between parents and the school. The digest discusses the importance of parents' level of comfort at school and in talking to teachers, and provides…

Longitudinal data from kindergarten to 5th grade on both family involvement in school and children's literacy performance were examined for an ethnically diverse, low-income sample (N = 281). Within families, increased school involvement predicted improved child literacy. In addition, although there was an achievement gap in average literacy…

Many parents do not know how to become involved in their children's education, and many teachers do not receive enough training in working with families. This quarterly early childhood digest discusses ways families and schools can work together to help young children learn and grow. The digest begins by describing how a teacher's home visit…

This paper presents the initial findings from an ethnographic case study, focusing on the mixed-method research strategy used in the MacArthur Comprehensive Child Development Project Follow-up Study. The aim of the study was to expand the understanding of children's developmental trajectories as they traverse the elementary school years.…

Although parents are often very busy with work and family responsibilities, there are many things they can do to help their school-age children learn and develop. This Spanish-language early childhood digest for parents provides tips obtained from parents of first and second graders in the School Transition Study on creative ways to stay involved…

Although parents are often very busy with work and family responsibilities, there are many things they can do to help their school-age children learn and develop. This early childhood digest for parents provides tips obtained from parents of first and second graders in the School Transition Study on creative ways to stay involved in their…