Some current experiences in conservative education are in marked opposition to present-day educational innovations, such as minicourses, microteaching, and open education in general. (JA)

This article describes St. Paul Open School in Minnesota which is testing a multitude of learning theories. Parents were largely responsible for the development of the school. (JA)

This article reviews the activities of a very popular teacher, Kay Goines. Ms. Goines' methods in teaching kindergarten include emphasis on language, (as a means of tying together the various experiences of the school day), communication, and parental participation. (JA)

Presents suggestions for making social studies interesting and motivating to students. The first article offers six strategies to make lessons dynamic. Several other articles go into the classroom to see how teachers are making social studies real to their students. Resources for further information are included. (SM)

Lists basic study techniques for parents to use with their children so that the time their children spend on homework may be well used. Strategies include doing the hardest part first, taking breaks, studying with others, and establishing a review system. (SM)

This tear-out, ready reference folder presents facts and statistics about the importance of parent involvement in schools. The folder includes data on how often parents and teachers meet, teacher preparation for parent involvement, the public's confidence in teachers and parents, and model programs. Resources for further information and names of…

Presents suggestions for getting parents involved in schools, noting reasons why parents stay away. Suggestions include recruiting parent liaisons, collaborating with parents on problems, sharing a meal, sponsoring a parent-student project night, making a special effort to say thanks, and getting other teachers and administrators involved. (SM)

When producing school plays, teachers can prepare students for the tryouts to avoid student frustration over the reality that everyone cannot play the lead. Suggestions include talking before the tryouts, meeting with those who are trying out, inviting students to participate in the crew, getting parents involved, being honest, and double casting…

The paper presents four steps to effective parent-teacher conferences that enable teachers to make parents partners in a team effort to strengthen students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Preconference worksheets for both parents and students to complete are attached. (SM)

Classroom activities are suggested for improving the reading skills of elementary school students. Various approaches include tapes of children's reading, "real-life" reading, word-building connections, focus on sports, and parent involvement. (CJ)

Presents ideas for teachers who want to get parents involved: start reaching out to parents before school starts; make written contact with parents and students before school begins; follow up with a phone call inviting their participation; communicate expectations; show commitment all year; and walk in a parent's shoes. (SM)

This article describes the concepts and activities of the Write Stuff Workshop, a joint venture that brings parents and children together as allies in writing. Topics include planning the workshop, workshop activities, and at-home follow-up activities for parents and students. Three reproducibles for parents are included. (IAH)

A first-year elementary teacher explains how she helped a slow learner work up to her potential. Two experts suggest strategies for teaching slow learners: setting up an at-risk program; peer tutoring; adapting teaching to the learner's capabilities; and understanding individual learning styles. (SM)