Reviews literature on family influence on children's acquisition of literacy. Discusses the ambivalence regarding family literacy theories and the lack of family literacy theoretical frameworks. Identifies types of family involvement and effective literacy strategies for families. Finds that most studies suggest that family literacy contributes to…

A group of 162 out of 5,400 former Head Start children were identified at the end of third grade as highest achieving and thriving both socially and academically. Families of these children had somewhat more resources on which to call and somewhat fewer stresses. Caretakers of high achievers ascribed to more positive parenting attitudes and were…

Development and achievement by children from single-parent families can be difficult. Various factors make divorce harder for children, but they can adjust, and teachers can help by keeping school from being one more problem (e.g,. being informed about what to expect in such circumstances and offering programs to relieve stress). (SM)

A retrospective review of 249 French children (ages 8-15) with severe dyslexia found that families were characterized by low occupational status and educational level for parents and predominance of high-ranking children in large sibships. Parental age and matrimonial status seemed unimportant. (Author/JDD)

Examines the relationship between reading ability and home environment to determine what variables most accurately predict reading achievement. Finds that the father's education level, the amount of reading done to children before school entry, and the variety of print materials read in the home are highly significant predictors of reading…

Asserts that curriculum design has traditionally been left to the experts who have forgotten or lost touch with the children. Explores an autobiographical account by Christopher Nolan, expressing the desire to build a curriculum that is richer, more energetic, and more truthful than the ones in the past. (MG)

Demographic and socioeconomic status of Hispanic Americans, and particularly of the elderly, are discussed. The leadership roles and legacy of older persons in the extended multi-generational Hispanic American family are examined, and a case study is presented. Programatic efforts are needed to support close family ties and intergenerational…

There has been a resurgence of concern for character education in schools because of the breakdown of the family and growing negative influences such as the mass media. Discusses how character education can be taught, who will teach it, the role of outdoor educators and the use of animals in teaching it, and accommodating differing cultural…

In Tswana villages in Botswana, 122 mothers of secondary-school-age daughters were interviewed. Maternal attitudes toward fertility, child rearing, and schooling were more influential in explaining daughters' propensity to leave school than were generic facets of the family economy framework. However, maternal influences were conditioned by level…

In order to help school social workers, counselors, and psychologists promote strong school-home working alliances, outlines six key cultural characteristics of American Indian families: geographical isolation, cultural heterogeneity, extended family, inclusive role for children, group primacy, and traumatic educational history. Discusses…

Reports on interviews with 20 assaulted women about their concerns for their children and how these concerns affected the decision to leave the assailant. Fifty-five percent of the women's children had witnessed violence, and 90 percent of these children had become involved in the physical or psychological abuse in some way, even after separation.…

Examined whether experiences of parental violence during childhood are related to two separate adulthood problems for women: victimization by severe partner violence and the development of alcohol-related problems. Violence from both parents related to each adulthood problem, but important differences between mother violence and father violence…

Reviews data from the "High School and Beyond" study to examine sibling intellectual symmetry and the degree to which family background affects the siblings' intellectual ability. Finds considerable symmetry in intellectual skills. Discovers little impact on symmetry from gender or birth order. (CFR)

Analysis of longitudinal data on Native American students using structural equation modeling found a weak fit with Tinto's model of postsecondary departure. After model revisions, family background, educational intentions, and academic integration emerged as significant predictors of college graduation. Discusses research problems such as small…

The summary of a workshop on female dental school faculty reviews current patterns of employment, perceived roles of female faculty, membership in the American Association of Dental Schools, and other issues identified during the workshop, including family members as role models/mentors, female leadership development, and male/female role…