Preschool and kindergarten teachers were asked to record their contacts with families, using a daily diary method. Family-school contact was compared among a Head Start program, a local preschool program, and a kindergarten program. Rates and characteristics of contact between families and school were examined cross-sectionally and longitudinally.…

Parent involvement in education, focusing on the National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs is discussed. The standards emphasize the importance of communication between home and school; promoting and supporting parenting skills; the parent's role in student learning; parents as volunteers; parents as full partners in decision…

This publication presents interviews with 11 prominent women, representing different backgrounds, philosophies, and life experiences, in which they speak about their own experiences with work and family issues. The introduction, "On Common Ground: Prominent Women Talk about Work & Family" (Diana Zuckerman), provides an overview. The 11 interviews…

Discusses a study comparing and contrasting two different kinds of students--those who do well in high school and would probably go on to a university, and those who do poorly and would probably not attend a university--using a cognitive anthropological approach which emphasizes in-depth interviewing of a small number of people. (JM)

Presents a case vignette which suggests that past failure in compensatory education programs springs from the failure of educators to 1) recognize the relationships between fluid intelligence and cultural deprivation, 2) utilize teacher skills in the psychodynamics of family relationships, and 3) changes methods of testing and categorizing…

Specifically discussed are the curriculum of the general education school (grades 1-10); model types of activities of the school collective; and joint activities of the school, family, production collectives, and community in the social upbringing of students. (RM)

In February 1983, Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District in California's Silicon Valley will link its school computer to privately owned microcomputers in students' homes. Funded by a $75,000 grant from the Atari Foundation, the link will initially help students to match their school records with college admissions requirements. (RW)

Discusses recent research showing that certain teaching techniques may be successful with students from one cultural milieu but not from another. Argues that forcing children from language or ethnic minorities to use reading in middle class ways can estrange such children from their origins. (FL)

Examines the semiutopian life-style of students and staff at an elite private, coeducational boarding school. The author concludes that the school provides students with the foundations for academic and social success at a cost of emotional distance from their home circumstances. For journal availability, see SO 509 295. (AM)

Solutions to the problems of urban pupils require nonacademic and humanistic strategies. Hobbs' concept of the ecosystem of the child and community education suggests interesting ways of combining the efforts of school, family, and community. (Author/GC)

Proposes family choice in education in Great Britain. The plan is to issue scholarships or vouchers to all families to be used to pay for their preferred school. The impact on educational practice and implications for political parties are discussed. (KC)

Much of the current distrust of schools is part of a consumer movement. Public relations programs are less effective than in previous years. Mechanisms for increasing parental participation are emerging. (Author/MLF)

Data from 443 women combining work, family, and schooling showed that lower income increased their vulnerability to role conflict. Perceived intensity of student demands was the strongest predictor of role conflict, overload, and contagion (preoccupation with one role while performing another). Conflict and overload were eased somewhat by distance…

Presents principles to guide the development of a family-school involvement approach for nurturing caring in children. Considers the importance of family-strengthening activities and the role of schools in creating caring children and parents. Suggests activities that focus on caring and that are mutually beneficial to family and school. (KB)

Discusses strategies to enhance cultural sensitivity in teachers serving families from different cultures: (1) examine elements of culture and stereotyping through stories and posters; (2) create an imaginary community to enhance sensitivity and team building; (3) examine influences on one's preferred child care practices; and (4) identify…