Article uses literature that addresses lack of family diversity content in teacher training as a springboard to encourage dialogue about new ways school social workers might use their theoretical knowledge of ecological and family systems and family diversity and strengths to collaborate with schools, families, and communities. Implications for…

Results of a self-report questionnaire indicated that female primary teachers in Australia report moderate levels of global, work, and family stress. Time and workload pressure was the major work stressor, and responsibility for child rearing the major family stressor. Work stress and home stress both impacted on each other. (EV)

Explains President Clinton's "America Reads Challenge," a promising initiative that brings together volunteer literacy and reading tutors from the community, working to supplement and support the primary work of classroom teachers. At the heart of the new initiative is the understanding that a good start to a strong education requires…

Discusses the importance of, and issues associated with, developing strong partnerships with the families that early childhood programs serve. Describes resources that recognize the centrality of the relationship between professionals and families and that offer advice on building quality programs that reflect this relationship. (TJQ)

Proposes the use of family-school meetings as a means of closing the current gap between families and schools when helping children who are experiencing difficulties. The collaborative approach advanced here eschews directive interventions and favors a view of counseling as a series of therapeutic conversations where meanings are co-constructed…

Examined whether home intervention program for Hispanic low-income families would increase maternal teaching behaviors typical of school environment. Found that when controlling for pretest scores and maternal education, program mothers used questions and descriptions more and negative motivation less in comparison to control group; the pattern of…

Notes that increasingly, parents are questioning the benefits of "pencilling in" time with their children like a business appointment. Explores development of the concept of quality time, and how children's needs, such as attention and consistency, are subjugated. Suggests that parents can make choices, to reduce work hours, relocate less…

Describes the development and organization of Care Teams, an in-service program designed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri, to help elementary school staff deal with students from dysfunctional families. Indicates that the project works with psychologists from Saint Louis University and the community. Reviews key elements of the Teams'…

Examines the thoughts and perceptions of four primary school parents from different social positions, regarding involvement in their children's schooling. Reports that for working-class parents there were less favorable situations in school selection, child rearing, and involvement within schools. (CMK)

Although a narrowing gap exists between technology haves and have-nots in public schools, many schools are turning their energies toward discrepancies in teacher training and knowledge, home computer access, technology support, and the availability of quality online curricula and material. Lists eight online resources. (MLF)

Suggests that if children's emotional concerns are not met, any attempt at cognitive learning is useless. Describes the Right Start Program, which smoothes the transition from home to school through a school picnic, "let's read" night, class visit, and optional home visits. Notes some possible impediments to implementation such as teachers'…

Explores the emphasis on parental involvement in education from the perspectives of children and young people. Draws on data from a study about children's perceptions of home-school relations to develop a typology on the ways children and young people talk about parent involvement in their education. Includes references. (CMK)

Discusses the value and use of an ecological inventory designed to determine the vocabulary that teachers and parents should emphasize with students with moderate to severe handicaps or who are culturally and linguistically diverse. (NH)

The effects of a pull-out enrichment program (Purdue Three-Stage Model) on 10 families of participating students were explored in this retrospective study. Subjects were high school seniors (and their families) who had participated in the program during elementary school. In most cases, the program had a positive influence on both family…

Educators should be aware of economic and social changes affecting today's families and adopt supportive strategies to serve their needs. Educators should be consistent in their relationship with families; use diverse approaches; communicate often and effectively; relate and respond to the family; provide continuous feedback; and promote equal…