In order to implement desegregation in Lawrence, a parent involvement program was developed. The program included a Parent Information Center, regular community planning meetings, parent input into the development of school assignment policy, and ongoing parent involvement in the desegregated schools. (GC)

Chapter 1 legislation provides additional resources to schools with a certain percentage of low-income students to help ensure that all children learn. Calls on parents and legal service advocates to take an active role in ensuring accountability for Chapter 1's application in schools, and provides questions to help parents better understand and…

It is necessary to guard against moving toward a system in which parents' choice for their children has the effect of making the parent-school relationship a private one. Needed are parents, supported by public policy, who are involved in the life of the school in an ongoing way. (Author/GC)

Compares the Schools Reaching Out programs at two elementary schools in Roxbury (MA) and New York City with four similar projects elsewhere. Describes how an intervenor not involved with the ordinary operation of the school can help design, direct, motivate, and assess a school outreach program. (DM)

Describes a program undertaken to rejuvenate the curriculum and social environment at the Peabody School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Discusses the underlying philosophy and the activities entailed in "Academics Plus," an enrichment program that calls for commitment by parents, teachers, and the principal. (GC)

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…

Describes collaboration between Phineas Bates School and Washington-Beech Community Preschool in Boston, which links public housing families with preschool children to nearby elementary school. Lack of child care often prevents parents from working or furthering their own education. By integrating early childhood education with child care, program…

Children reveal important effects of their schooling at home. Thus, parents should play a more meaningful role in evaluating schools. When students are old enough, their feedback should be solicited for evaluation purposes. The feedback process must be structured to inform and support school personnel. (VM)

Early desegregation efforts simply followed the authoritarian model predominant in American schools since the 1920s. As schools have become more democratic, however, so has the process of desegregating urban school systems. (GC)

Educational equity can only be achieved when poor parents are empowered to intervene effectively in the education of their children, exercising their ability to make choices and develop specific expectations that translate into day-to-day support for the learning process. (PS)

Describes the production of a survey investigating what kinds of magnet schools parents and teachers want. Discusses: (1) the information sought; (2) pre-survey information-gathering and public discussion; (3) the creation of a citywide parent planning council; (4) constructing, conducting, and distributing parent and teacher surveys; and (5)…

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)

Urges that public school systems be developed based on diversity and choice, recognizing that there is neither one true school nor a perfect pedagogy. Argues that teachers and parents should be able to choose between a variety of models within a single system in seeking the most appropriate environment for each child. (RDN)

Describes the parent and community involvement project at the David A. Ellis School in Roxbury (MA), which includes a Parent Center within the school, field trips, tutoring assistance by university students, and ESL and GED classes for parents. (DM)