Research shows that parent involvement makes a significant difference in children's achievement, especially during elementary and middle school. Even though the school year is well underway, there is still plenty of time to make this your school's best year ever for parent involvement. Here are some of the most effective strategies I've come…

The article responds to a parent's questions on an exceptional child's readiness for mainstreaming. Lists of information to be gathered, both before the individual planning conference and at the conference, are provided, including information on such areas as possible placements and educational goals of different programs. (PHR)

Outlines goals of the parent-teacher association (PTA), the problems of the PTA's traditional structuring, and possible models for restructuring the PTA. Presents six goals identified by the National PTA to improve parent involvement and help to successfully restructure PTAs. Lists 14 strategies that could encourage the development of a…

The author reviews the argument that teachers, parents, and children are all interrelated and function within a complex ecology. He summarizes existing models for facilitating teacher-parent interaction and analyzes inappropriate assumptions concerning this interaction. Implications and recommendations for improving the school-community…

Describes intervention and treatment services available to youth and adolescents with chemical abuse problems. Discusses necessary components of a comprehensive approach. Reviews research on treatment outcomes within the various types of programs along with research on the treatment models employed. (Author/LHW)

This article explores three issues (parental involvement in the schools, teacher evaluation, and corporal punishment) through a comparison of the 1840 Concord, Massachusetts school system with the present-day system. (CT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders in youth has been evaluated in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and recent studies have sought to determine if the effects can be enhanced by an adjunctive parent component. The rationale for adding parents as active participants to treatment for anxious youth includes the notions that…

This document describes Wisconsin's new law requiring the consent of a minor's parent or adult relative in order for a physician to perform an abortion on a minor. Part I describes highlights of the new law, including the consent requirement, exemptions, and court bypass procedure. Part II gives the background of the law, including incidence of…

Discusses barriers to successful school-to-work transitions for youth with disabilities. Advocates parental involvement in the transition process. Suggests how agencies can involve parents. (CH)

Examines preschool learning efforts by children (aged three to five), which also involved parents to a degree. Reviews results and recommendations. Discusses a model whereby parents, as learner/teachers, start the lifelong learning process of their children at birth. (CH)

The article looks at educational assessment from the parent's point of view. The case of a 10-year-old boy injured in an accident is used to illustrate the fears and emotions experienced by parents. (SW)

Teachers' daily interaction is a powerful influence on at-risk students. Effective dropout prevention components include positive instructional environment, enhancement of self-esteem, alternative education, absence monitoring, mentoring, parent involvement, social and health services, teen parent programs, and transition strategies. (SK)

Examines evidence relating to factors that affect the quality and maturity of children's play and discusses three resources parents can readily use to enrich play: adult involvement, materials, and time. Explains parent roles of play initiator, coplayer, and play facilitator. Offers guidelines for the selection of toys and playthings and for…

In 1979, a March of Dimes task force investigation in Orange County, California found a direct correlation between the rising number of low birth weight babies and the rising number of births to teens. Sparked by this investigation, the Coalition Concerned with Adolescent Pregnancy (CCAP), an independent non-profit agency, was formed. CCAP's…

This document presents the final report of a dropout prevention counseling program designed for elementary school students in McDowell County, West Virginia. The purpose of the program is explained and three objectives met by the project are identified: (1) counseling sessions were held with each of the identified potential dropouts (N=206) in two…