Notes that the purpose of the project was to collect evidence about learning in the "life school" of families. Describes the second session in which people brought in artifacts to tell family stories about learning in their homes. Finds that families and teachers involved in this project become more aware of home experiences as part of literacy…

Investigation of differences between women who change jobs after childbirth and those who stay with employers reveals that women are motivated to change by both financial and family reasons. A trade of compensation for greater family accommodation may be more necessary for those with lower levels of skill, education, and experience. (SK)

Describes a research study in which three primary-grade teachers and two researchers visited, interviewed, and planned with the families of their students over three years in order to better support children's literacy development by creating instruction that builds on what they know. Discusses what they learned about families as resources, and…

This article presents seven steps to facilitate effective communication between schools and parents with the explanation of each step followed by an example of its application with a hypothetical student and his family. Steps include: assign a facilitator; acknowledge accomplishments; meet routine; establish predictability; keep it simple; make…

A New York magnet school project had parents and their children create their own square for a quilt that was displayed at the school. The event gave families, many of whom had limited English proficiency and did not participate in school activities, an understanding of the school's expectations for their children. Related student activities…

Because of women's increased participation in the labor market, there is an increasing pressure on families. Women are expected to provide stability, focus on child development, and bolster colleagues against unemployment and retraining, whereas society is expected to provide child care facilities and flexible education. (JOW)

Explores two fundamental concerns reflected in the articles in this journal issue: (1) promoting a healthy balance of paid work and family responsibilities; and (2) developing new models to ensure that all families can receive appropriate child-care services in their communities. (Author/DLH)

This commentary discusses the successful partnership between the parents and the school in addressing the challenging behaviors of a 9-year-old boy with severe disabilities. Stages of the successful partnership and characteristics of behavior support plans that have good contextual fit are described. (Author/CR)

The debate about work-family relationships must focus on the nature of family life, the place of women in the new economy, the needs of children, and the future of an aging population. Because the workplace has limited capacity to meet work-family needs, partnerships with government services are needed. (JOW)

Discusses the findings of a parent and teacher survey about communicating children's school progress, noting a mutual dissatisfaction with standardized test scores. Discusses the information parents want, ways to improve teacher-parent communication, and questions teachers should ask themselves about their assessments of students. (JPB)

Analysis of data from 8 female manufacturing workers, 13 professionals, and 10 clerical workers, two themes emerged: (1) women and organizational change; and (2) disappearing boundaries of work and family. The assumptions of human resource development about why and how women work and definitions of productive work were found to be flawed and…

Considers, in this "eclectic" review of research, three complementary ways in which the nature of the connection between homes and school can be problematized: (1) congruence of family life with the agenda of schooling; (2) intimacy, or depth of understanding, between teachers and parents; and (3) sociocultural productivity of the interaction…

Presents five key aspects of cultural pedagogy theory: social interactions, self-identity, externalization of inner thought, educational institutions, and narratives. Views these aspects as critical vehicles to fostering the child's literacy development. Notes that within this framework, great importance has been assigned to the cooperative link…

Highlights components of an early intervention program for preschool children and families that operates in the multicultural community of Miami (Dade County) Florida. (GCP)

This study investigated strategies used by college and university presidents in balancing their professional and personal lives. The conceptual framework for this study comes from the work of Schein (1985, 1992). Lessons learned and words of wisdom from these presidents can enhance leadership effectiveness at all levels in higher education.