This study examined parent factors and teacher strategies fostering parent involvement and efficacy in a Canadian preschool intervention program in the Toronto area. Both English-as-a-second-language and English-speaking parent groups participated in school-based Parenting and Readiness Center programs with their 4-year-olds. Findings suggested…

Provides an annotated bibliography of Norse mythology (picture books, collections, fiction, and information books), highlights prose and poetry resources for adults, and outlines independent and group activities in drama, art, social studies, and language arts. (PEN)

Asserts that using children's literature to present life stories can reinforce young children's understanding of life span and help them better understand how goals formed in childhood may help determine an individual's future. Briefly reviews and recommends 15 children's books focused on life stories and decision making. (MJP)

Maintains that the rich and interesting subject matter of social studies makes it a natural complement to literacy programs. Briefly describes instructional strategies for literacy and discusses how these can be used in conjunction with the "History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools." (MJP)

Examines methodological problems affecting assessment of bilingual children's cognitive and language development. Analysis of three qualitative instruments used to identify gifted students among Mexican American bilingual kindergartners revealed the influence of first and second language, verbal and nonverbal assessment procedures, multiple…

Presents a lesson plan constructed around several color plates of the artwork of George Szekely. Szekely suggests a playful and open approach to his work and recommends various ways of interpreting and experiencing his art using a variety of senses. His recommendations include slide projectors, word games, and role playing. (MJP)

This article examines federal, state, and local initiatives that have influenced child welfare policy and practice on a national scale, with particular emphasis on those policies that offer opportunities for better coordination of services between mental health and child welfare agencies. The special circumstances of child welfare clients are…

This article discusses the importance of child advocacy and describes major challenges to advocates for students with emotional and behavioral disorders in three areas: legislative and judicial, educational, and media. Suggestions are offered for effective advocacy in each area. A list of resources for advocacy is also provided. (Contains…

Evaluated social competence and problem behaviors among 217 Russian preschoolers. Found anxiety-withdrawal, anger-aggression, and social competence factors similar to those found in American, Canadian, French, and Spanish children. Found a mix of universal and culturally specific features that may be connected to gender stereotypes prevailing in…

Validated the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation Inventory (SCBE-30) in eight countries. Found in all samples structural equivalence, pattern of gender differences generalized across cultural contexts, and age differences. Established data set to investigate universal and cultural differences in the development of preschool children's…

Discusses five obstacles to the development of a continuum of child welfare services; the effects of these obstacles on minority children; and steps that policymakers and voluntary agencies might take to improve the continuum of care of minority children. (BG)

Discusses the effects of societal changes on child development at home and at school and its relationship to academic learning, with particular emphasis on minority children and their families. Describes a model for improving school organization and management. (FMW)

Analyzes victimization data obtained from 1,272 Black, Hispanic, and White high school students in Los Angeles (California). Findings include the following: (1) males are victimized more frequently than females; (2) Blacks are victimized more frequently than either Hispanics or Whites; and (3) younger students were victimized less frequently than…

Reviews research on the effects of the mother's employment on the preschool child in the two-parent family. Also examines the effects on the following family processes that mediate child outcomes: (1) psychological well-being of parents; (2) their marital relationship; (3) the father's role; and (4) parent-child interaction. (Author/BJV)

Effects on participants in the Adoptive Grandparent Program (AGP) of the Dade County (Florida) Public Schools were studied. As part of a program evaluation of the AGP, selected fifth and sixth grade students and nursing home residents were surveyed. Intergenerational contact positively influenced participants' self-esteem, mood, and…