This report seeks to raise awareness of the critical importance of chronic early absence, synthesize available data on the scope of the challenge, and share emerging insights about how schools and communities can use chronic early absence to identify and address challenges affecting the social, educational and physical well-being of children and…

A secondary program for emotionally disturbed students in a Wisconsin school district is described in terms of assessment procedures, classroom management, classroom materials, mainstreaming, parental and community involvement, and its token reinforcement system. (CL)

Main elements of a discussion on mathematics education and parents at an Australian conference are presented. Suggestions on how parents can be involved, including descriptions of three programs, are included. (MNS)

A participatory science workshop--open house was designed for parents and preschool children to explore together. Organizing and setting up are detailed. (HS)

Designed as a handbook for primary grade parent volunteers in Kings County Schools (California), this publication provides information on compensatory education and parent involvement. The following special programs are explained briefly: Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Title IVB of the ESEA, Senate Bill 90 for…

Discusses five elements in the effective involvement of parents as volunteers in Catholic school communities: receptivity of faculty and staff to volunteers, school organization and structure, recruitment, training, and recognition of the parents' contributions. Offers examples from St. Pius X/St. Leo School's (Omaha, Nebraska) volunteer program.…

Cordova Villa and Reymouth Schools (Folsom-Cordova Unified School District, California) have developed a program to accomplish a positive community involvement in the educational process by inviting parents to enjoy lunch and to use the playground facilities with their children during the lunch hour. Parents have a chance to talk to their children…

In 1978, the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, through its Head Start program, designed and implemented the Basic Educational Skills (BES) project to foster Head Start children's readiness for school and their subsequent achievement in elementary school. The purpose of this document is to disseminate elementary-level BES materials.…

The first of two volumes on planning parent participation programs, this guide is intended to be an aid in deciding what type of program is most appropriate for a given school. Definitions and purposes of parent involvement programs are offered, followed by an explanation of the importance of determining program goals before designing activities.…

Unique ideas about how to maintain interest in musicals, concerts, and other music performances are described. For example, Project Parent Awareness encouraged parent participation in children's music education and the Akron (Ohio) All-City Festivals of Music provided students with performing opportunities under well-known conductors. (CS)

The University for Youth, at the University of Denver's School of Education, offers a summer enrichment program for gifted and talented children in grades K through 12. (SB)

Describes St. Maria Goretti School's Home/School-Read/Discuss program in which parent, teacher, and child sign a contract for leisure reading. Both parent and child read and discuss the selected books. Responsibilities of each participant are listed on the sample reading contract provided. (SJL)

Describes "satellite learning centers," public schools located at parent worksites in Dade County (Florida) and jointly operated by the school system and the employer. Advantages include parent participation, exposure to career possibilities, and free classroom space. (FMW)

Schools that are most successful in engaging parents and other family members in support of their children's learning look beyond traditional definitions of parent involvement--parent teacher organizations or signing report cards--to a broader conception of supporting families in activities outside of school that can encourage their children's'…

The program for academically gifted and talented at Kellogg Elementary School in Michigan includes an open house for parents. Students teach workshops in activities like painting and weaving, and parents become the students. Parents learn how to encourage creativity and how to help their children learn. (CS)