Reviews the Schools Reaching Out programs in New York City and Roxbury (MA). Describes and recommends three successful aspects of these programs: the parent center within the schools, home visits by teachers, and teacher action research teams. (DM)

With Lowell Public Schools'"controlled choice" plan, attendance is based on parent choices, as long as they do not adversely affect desegregation. This interview with the Student Assignment Officer addresses such issues as informing limited English speaking or illiterate parents about school options and creating a community network…

Discusses the issue of choice in education in the context of San Francisco's 15 alternative public elementary schools. These schools draw more committed students, parents, and teachers, and they create a sense of community often lacking in the public schools, yet they are less socioeconomically integrated. Calls for more exploration of the…

Defines, illustrates, and evaluates three approaches to home-school collaboration: School to Home Transmission, Interactive Learning; and Partnership for School Success. Discusses pitfalls to avoid. (DM)

Disseminating information to families about educational options available and how to take advantage of them is key to the success of school choice plans. Information content, format, and distribution are discussed in a framework that both researchers and practitioners can use. Summarizes findings on current school choice information practices.…

Describes three programs of school-community collaboration which have the following goals: (1) helping children develop a commitment to their communities; (2) helping refugees adapt to their new communities; and (3) helping schools deal with student discipline problems. (PS)

Describes an elementary school six years after it adopted the Comer process, an educational philosophy promoting ongoing collaboration among parents, teachers, and administrators to do what is best for student learning and development. Consensus whenever possible and open expression of feelings and issues builds professionalism and community.…

The relationship between schools and parents is examined. The absence of parent involvement is explained by the institutional character of most schools and the lack of effort by parents and schools. Schools must create more opportunities for parent involvement in vital issues such as decision making and the evaluation of principals. (VM)

Assesses the Schools Reaching Out programs at two elementary schools in Roxbury (MA) and New York City. Emphasis has been on input goals, not on outcomes, so that little progress in academic achievement has actually been made. Input goals, however, have been met. (DM)

A program should be made available to families that offers them differing ways of becoming involved. The progress of one such program, Family Matters, is detailed, and the results discussed. Although Family Matters empowered parents to a degree, the program failed to address several issues. (BJV)

One goal of the Success for All program is that each student in high poverty schools will achieve at or near grade level by the third grade. Describes and gives the rationale behind the program's Family Support Team component, which is concerned with attendance intervention, home visits, parent involvement, and integration with community agencies.…

Interview with Barbara Jackson, who has served as principal of the William Monroe Trotter Elementary School in the Roxbury section of Boston for the past 13 years and who is a strong supporter of parental choice and educational equity. The interview reveals some of her strategies for trying to empower parents. (BJV)

Notes major developments in a more comprehensive approach to school policy reform: increased parental involvement, school and human service collaboration, and supporting families in ways that encourage learning. Addresses concerns and questions regarding these developments and gives examples of recent state and federal policy legislation. (CJS)

Describes the Institute for Responsive Education's Schools Reaching Out project, which attempts to increase student achievement by fostering improved relationships among families, schools, and other community agencies and institutions. These partnerships are seen as crucial in restructuring schools through parent involvement, teacher empowerment,…

Low-income parents and children unaccustomed to a school environment are made to feel welcome in the Buffalo Public Schools' Parent Center. Parents are guided-through classes, discussions, and take-home computers-to be their children's teachers and to learn the school system well enough to negotiate it to their children's advantage. (CJS)