It is important to underscore some basic "truths" about communicating with families--ideas that have been well described in the literature for the past several decades. The most important issue is that "truth disclosure" is a process, not an event. In the paper by Klein and colleagues (2011), it is apparent that most of the parents in the study…

By the very nature of their business, public education has become vulnerable to legal attacks. The fear of being sued has forced public school teachers and administrators across the country to re-evaluate what they do and modify traditional curricular activities and co-curricular programs. In this article, the author relates how his own school…

Parents of three gifted children describe their advocacy that has resulted in procuring appropriate education for their children by acceleration despite school opposition. (CL)

Parents have a long history of seeking child-rearing information in the popular media. This trend continues on the World Wide Web, with the number of parents online still on the rise. The Web offers speed, 24-hour access, and extremely large quantities of child rearing information. Although the availability of huge quantities of child-rearing…

A mother reflects on the ordeals faced by her infant son who has heart and intestinal disorders and discusses the characteristics needed by mothers of disabled and chronically ill children. (CL)

Maintains that preschool and kindergarten curricula should encourage experiential learning, and not just formal academic education. (BB)

The mother of a Down's syndrome four-year-old describes how a slight adaptation in a playground swing allowed her son to experience the joy of independent play. (CL)

Discusses five myths associated with parents' giving praise or positive feedback to their children. Myths are children thrive on praise; praise increases a child's self-confidence; lavish praise is not addictive; praise motivates children; and parents should practice withholding praise to toughen up children. (BB)

Suggests steps that parents (in particular), teachers, and other adults can take to help relieve children's stress and to help children cope with stress at home and in school. (BB)

Discusses major changes in society and family life that disrupt the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. These changes include separation by distance, divorce, death, or grandparents' choice. Maintains grandchildren can benefit from close contact with grandparents in terms of shared experiences. (BB)

This guide is intended to assist vocational educators in developing a process and materials for communicating vocational education options to disadvantaged students and their parents. The first section outlines the provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act regarding state responsibilities to provide vocational education services…

Notes that the critical art of parent education is to bring the parent into the child's world view. Describes current publications from NAMTA's parent education tool kit which support the child's perspective. Includes strategies for generating parent discussion to merge the parent's point of view with that of the child in dealing with conflict.…

Addresses the pressures of early academic learning among young children and presents parents with three guidelines for pursuing early learning experiences: readiness, observation, and options. (BB)

Develops a rationale for using action books with preschool children of three-six years. Offers guidelines for selection of books, and gives an annotated book list of humorous action books that teachers and parents can use with young children. (BB)

Discusses two approaches that parents and preschool teachers can use to encourage fantasy play among young children: creating a supportive environment and taking part in play. The ages of the children involved can help teachers decide which method is more helpful. (BB)