Usually considered a pedagogical plan, the term "curriculum" is linked with decisions regarding educational content and often with related instructional strategies. However, a curriculum for young children embodies more than the "what" and the "how" of children's learning experiences in early childhood settings. Based…

This document is intended to provide educators with guidance and strategies to increase the participation of families from diverse backgrounds in mediation programs to settle differences about educational programs for children with disabilities. Introductory information discusses what mediation is, who mediators are, a typical mediation process,…

The aging of the baby boom generation and the increase in life expectancy has led to record numbers of older adults in the United States. Increasingly, older adults want or need to stay in the workforce. Older workers comprise a diverse group of individuals with various expectations, desires and abilities. As a result, definitions of exactly who…

As schools, families, and communities begin to come together, everyone benefits. A mother who teaches her son's class about traditional uses of native plants passes on important cultural knowledge and builds her own public speaking skills. A science class that tests the water quality at a nearby reservoir learns about local environmental issues,…

Commonly, when parents attempt to talk to their teenagers about school, the response is short and uninformative. Adults, whether teachers or family members, have taken this resistance as a sign of rejection. However, research in this field shows that, in fact, teenagers do want to interact with their parents, as well as other adults, and have them…

The importance of fully exploring the values and limitations of early language immersion programs is reiterated. The need to take children's class advantages into account in judging the effectiveness of such programs is emphasized. (PP)

Considers the relationship between disability and cultural diversity in a discussion of parent perceptions and participation, disability as a culturally and socially constructed phenomenon, differing ways of dealing with a disability, and differing methods of communication. Recommendations based on research and practice are offered. (DB)

Examines the communitarian argument on schools, families, and youth culture expounded in Amitai Etzioni's influential book, "The Spirit of Community." In lieu of detailed policy proposals, Etzioni's readers are challenged to a general change in attitudes and values. Includes a discussion of Ray Pahl's critique of communitarianism. (MJP)

Describes current "adult-centric" nature of research on home-school relations in Britain, and sets out a framework for a research agenda for discussion within a traditionally "child-free" zone. Argues for research on home-school relations that takes a child-centered approach, treating children as competent informants on diverse…

Suggests that intellectual ability is a stronger determinant of academic success than family income, parental education, or socioeconomic status. Maintains that familial influence plays an important role in academic achievement but questions the specifics of that relationship. Includes statistical information on grade variation, siblings, and…

This handbook of family support and education programs profiles 73 programs that highlight an array of service arrangements under school sponsorship. The handbook asserts that no one factor makes or breaks a program and that all facets of program development contribute to the degree of success. (SLD)

Describes and evaluates the Parents as Educational Partners Program at a rural elementary school in West Virginia. Team action research efforts demonstrated positive program effects on students, parents, and the community, and identified issues in the program development and educational reform processes. The beneficial effects of parent…

This article begins by defining family-centeredness and then reviews and integrates available evidence about family-centered practices in early intervention, preschool, and elementary and secondary schools. For each educational level, findings from studies that investigated program models, practitioner behaviors, family-oriented practices rating…

Uses analogy of patchwork quilt square to describe the reading instruction methods comprising one school's first-grade reading program. Parts include guided reading and centers, guided writing, reading workshops, reading strategies, comprehension through retelling and responding, word study, good literature, a print-rich environment, and strong…

This article describes positive behavior support as it is applied in the context of early intervention and as children progress into elementary school. Variables that contribute to effective interventions are discussed, as are issues that must be considered in order to construct optimally beneficial transitions for children with behavioral…