This book addresses the complications and implications of parental involvement in education as a policy. It attempts to explain the origins, meanings, and effects of parental involvement as a requisite of schooling, and particularly as a policy solution for low achievement and even inequity in the American educational system. The four chapters…

This paper describes a longitudinal case study that examined the various products that a primary grade student created as he co-researched with his teacher how to implement self-selected science inquiry in a suburban first grade classroom in New Jersey. Transcriptions of science presentations and interviews, parent and student reflection, and the…

This paper provides an overview of the impact of television on young children, with a special emphasis on the relationship among TV, childhood, and violence, and on developmentally appropriate television. Further, the paper provides strategies for parents and early childhood educators to use in taking control of the television. The paper is…

This guide to Indiana's academic standards in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies for kindergarten students begins with a note to students and another to parents. The guide spells out what students should know and be able to do in each subject, at each grade level. It helps students understand what is required to meet the…

The federal education act "No Child Left Behind" calls for accountability for school improvement. This brochure outlines how parents can determine the progress of their child's school, and where to go for additional information and/or services. The brochure answers the following questions: (1) How do I know if my child's school is in…

Homework is an opportunity for children to learn and for families to be involved with their children's education, but helping children with homework is not always easy. This booklet is designed to provide parents of elementary and middle grades students with an understanding of the purpose and nature of homework and offers suggestions for helping…

This paper focuses on parents' perceptions of and expectations for the teaching and learning of mathematics for themselves as adult learners as well as for their children. The research is part of a large parental involvement project in a working-class, Hispanic community. The work is grounded on the concept of dialogic learning (Flecha, 2000) both…

This stand-alone workshop session explores the connections between home and school mathematics learning through the lens of equity. It is appropriate for use with teachers, staff developers, after-school program providers, and other educators who work with parents. All three session activities can be done, or the leader can opt to keep the session…

This information brief discusses the parental role in supporting a postsecondary student with a disability. It stresses that parents continue to be important role models and guides for their young adult sons and daughters and that parents may be a key part of the support network students with disabilities need to succeed in the postsecondary…

This booklet discusses how to improve girls' education drawing on lessons from experience and proposing action for the future. In spite of significant international mobilization in favor of women and their rights to education, much remains to be done. While girls' enrollment has increased, gender inequalities persist at all levels of education,…

In the light of news headlines on school violence, many parents find themselves fearing for their children and whether they may become victims or victimizers. This book provides guidance for parents and students on talking about school safety and violence. Section 1 is addressed to parents and discusses what to tell children about school violence,…

American "Baby Boomer" parents are organizing their elementary students' lives to automaticity. In the early grades, most students find this structure comfortable. Often by secondary school these parents step back, respecting their children's wishes. Here, however, the students face life and career selection with poor decision-making skills. This…

This videotape generates enthusiasm by showing participants an overview of the goals and benefits of the Parents Sharing Books Program. It features parents, teachers, and principals who are involved in book-sharing programs in their schools. By watching the videotape, parents will see book-sharing strategies and motivational techniques and hear…

Addressed to early childhood educators in Scotland, this guide shows how adults working in preschool and early primary school settings can maximize children's interest, knowledge, and skills in writing, and actively foster the disposition to be a writer. Following an introduction, the guide is presented in four parts. Part 1, "Teaching…

This digest presents an overview of ways that parents can encourage their child's learning in science. National and state standards for science knowledge and skills are discussed. The importance of parental guidance and encouragement in all subjects--science in particular--is also discussed. Suggestions are made for setting a good example, helping…