The study examined parents' and educators' involvement in four individualized education program planning conferences for children exhibiting behavior, social, and learning problems. Data are presented regarding who participates in IEP conferences, how long the conferences last, and topics of discussion. (Author)

The article illustrates how social change for individuals with disabilities can be made through the legislative process. The author recounts a four-year process that concluded with the passage of legislation for a preschool program for handicapped children supported by an appropriation of one million dollars. (Author/CL)

Treatment of 35 children (between 1 and 5 years of age) with sleep disorders was focused on helping the child stay in bed quietly if awake and to settle into sleep without parental attention. Improvement occurred in 77 percent. Results illustrate effects of treatment sample selection and indicate dangers of generalizing findings. (Author/RH)

What began as a community involvement event became a Renaissance Festival to celebrate learning that featured a math arcade, an individual investigation display, a gymnastics and physical fitness demonstration, a minifair for kindergarten and first-grade children, an art show, and a talent show. (MLF)

A school facing extinction, straddling the border between an affluent area and a largely minority neighborhood, implemented a Basics Plus program and became a magnet school. It offers a traditional atmosphere, structure, and an emphasis on a solid curriculum but also values art, music, computers, physical education, and foreign language. (MT)

This study compared compliance rates in two exercise programs for children aged 8 to 14, one a well-structured program, the other a home running program prescribed by a pediatrician. The greater success of the first program was attributed to enthusiastic leadership, parental support, and feelings of accomplishment in the participants. (MT)

Discusses a study of school attitudes about parent involvement in home-based educational activities. Found that support for parental involvement in teaching reading stopped short of helping parents hear their own children read at home. (JOW)

In order to implement desegregation in Lawrence, a parent involvement program was developed. The program included a Parent Information Center, regular community planning meetings, parent input into the development of school assignment policy, and ongoing parent involvement in the desegregated schools. (GC)

Examined the readability of psychoeducational reports and the effectiveness of manipulating report variables to facilitate parental interpretation (N=114). The data indicated that traditional reports are written above the reading level of most parents, but modification of selected report variables facilitates parental interpretation. (JAC)

A utilization-focused approach was adopted to evaluate a program that involved establishing three experimental under-fives coordinator's poets in one of the shire counties. An illuminative model of evaluation was used, with a focus on process rather than solely on outcomes. (BW)

The authors question the assumption that parent participation is critical to the success of early intervention programs and cite the lack of research support for this notion in programs for young children with cerebral palsy. They note that financial considerations may still dictate the need for parent participation. (CL)

A survey of 34 Minnesota early intervention programs for young handicapped children found that home visits are extensively utilized for parent programming while the child is under age three, with alternative options for involvement, education, and support offered by much smaller proportions of the program. (Author/CL)

Parents of children with disabilities can provide valuable information for the assessment process and local agencies should concentrate on increasing parental involvement. For their part, parents need to know professionals' views. (CL)

Explains why career education is needed, how it is being implemented, the extent to which it has produced evidence of its worth, and suggests ways in which parents can become involved. (JOW)

Suggests how discussion groups for parents, students, and school personnel can be in the best interests of the children. (JOW)