The author criticizes the fact that the PTA takes positions on television programing, believing the interest of the PTA should be in what goes on in classrooms, not in what comes into the home via television. (KC)

This article suggests techniques for recruitment and involvement of students in local and state Parent Teacher Associations (PTA). The National PTA has authorized the establishment of Parent, Teacher, Student Associations (PTSA). The process for changing from PTA to PTSA is outlined. (IAH)

The report presents findings of a parent-organized and parent-conducted evaluation of special education services in Montclair, New Jersey. Parents visited classrooms (resource rooms and self-contained classes) and interviewed staff. Findings and recommendations address the following topics: identification of children (classification by school and…

Intended for parents of handicapped children in rural areas, the directory lists a variety of resources available to families. A section on general information lists materials for parents; academic programs for handicapped and gifted children; prevocational and vocational training programs; physical, recreational, and social/emotional programs;…

The parent of a handicapped child reviews the development of parent groups and parent advocacy internationally. Among the programs described are weekend education courses for parents in Norway, deinstitutionalization efforts in England, mass media approaches in France, and the Extend-a-Family program in Canada in which a handicapped child is…

Available from: Canadian Association for the Mentally Retarded, Kinsmen National Institute on Mental Retardation Building, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Downsview, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada. Described is Pilot Parents, a support service for parents who have recently learned that their child is mentally handicapped. (GW)

The article describes a Netherlands model for support and assistance to families of handicapped children. "Practical Help at Home" is an outgrowth of the Parents' Initiative Movement and relies on volunteers to provide a range of services including respite and training. (CL)

Describes the Second National Foster Parent Conference, under the sponsorship of HEW's Office of Child Development, which developed the National Foster Parent Association. (MB)

Excerpts from a discussion between teachers, parents, and students on the subject of parent, teacher, and student responsibility in ensuring a good education for students and their envolvement in educational decision making. (RB)

The author provides information on organizing a parent support group for parents of gifted children to share problems and plan appropriate educational opportunities for their children. Suggestions are made for making contacts, developing the group structure, and ensuring the group's success. (SBH)

A parent recounts his experiences as a member of a parents' group seeking the continuation of a program of home visits to parents of handicapped children. Suggestions for creating change through parents' groups, such as locating and lobbying local officials and organizations that can effectively support the group, are listed. (PHR)

Describes the tradition of honor and service provided by the Diocese of Trenton's PTA, which guarantees ongoing connections from the local school to the region to the diocesan level. Summarizes the governance of the PTA in all of the diocese's schools, its 73-year celebration of service, history, organizational structure, parent partnership…

The primary role of any library is to provide resources and services for its patrons, and school library media centers are no exception. Most of the time, library media specialists think of patrons only in terms of students and faculty. However, there are a variety of ways library media specialists can expand influence and increase support from…

The digest addresses concerns of parents of gifted children. An initial section recaps ways in which gifted children are identified. The next section examines ways in which parents can encourage gifted children at home (through such avenues as permitting ample time for thinking and daydreaming and assigning household tasks that coincide with…

The directory presents a listing of disability-related information resources in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Organized alphabetically by state, entries address the following categories: vocational rehabilitation office, client assistance program, governor's committee on employment of the handicapped, protection and advocacy agency,…