The article focuses on the parent role in the education of autistic children, considers problems experienced by families of autistic children, methods of school-parent cooperation, and gains possible through cooperative program development. The program of the Brentwood (California) Center for Educational Therapy is described. (MJB)

The preferred scenario would lead to a "professionalization" of the family in which, at least for early childhood, the functions of the family and the school would merge. (Author/IRT)

Presents the results of a three-year study designed to improve reading achievement through the use of an organized parent and teacher "comment card" program which encouraged parents to listen to and evaluate their children's reading and encouraged written dialogue between parents and teachers. Provides an sample of the card form used and typical…

Randomly selected students from two disruptive classes (n=28 and n=30) were subjected to a daily report card reinforcement system. The study employed a time series design. Results showed significant improvements in work and behavior of both sets of target students and positive 'spill-over' effects in one class. Concludes with recommendations for…

A study found that the average extended family makes a considerable financial contribution to schooling in Nigeria, especially at the tertiary level. These results suggest that the traditional extended family system is not inimical to school education--rather, it promotes education. (KH)

Schools appear to be in a strategic position to offer care for school-age latchkey children, but lack of policies and funding are creating obstacles for the development of such a role. A sidebar describes five child care programs now operating in public schools. (DCS)

It's a real honor to be with you all today. You have dedicated your lives to advancing the American ideals of equality and opportunity--principles that for centuries have drawn millions of people to risk everything to come to this land. And there is no faster path to equal opportunity than a good education. It is the key to the American dream. And…

Contrary to the assumption of many educators, research on family and community connections with schools has revealed that parents are interested in their children's academic success regardless of ethnicity, culture, or economic status, although they may not know how to help their children or may feel incapable of assisting them. There are many…

Twenty years of research on school performance has created a body of knowledge that grounds today's school improvement efforts and has resulted in a concise list of characteristics that are common to high-performing schools. As accountability becomes more and more important, educational leaders across the nation are actively attempting to foster…

Because family involvement is a potentially powerful element of effective literacy instruction, the International Reading Association (IRA) believes parents, family and community members, teachers, school administrators, researchers, and policymakers must be aware of its importance and must receive information and training that allows them to…

One of the most striking societal changes in recent years is the increasing participation of mothers in the labor force. Since college-educated mothers are especially likely to work, a potentially important source of information about the effects of maternal employment is the introductory psychology course. To study the features of mothers in the…

The increase in maternal employment has affected society and children. Indications are that the increased numbers of working mothers had impacted the size of families and the birth intervals within them. In addition, as children experience life with a working mother, personal constructs of adult roles and attitudes towards maternal employment can…

Families and schools are equal partners in the education of children, with both contributing in major ways. To succeed, their partnerships must be based on mutual trust and respect, with educators taking the lead in developing and nurturing effective collaboration with families. Overcoming barriers to partnerships means focusing on context,…

This paper describes home schooling in Alabama from the perspectives of public-school superintendents and home-schooling families. It is based on a study that investigated the extent, causes, and experiences of home schooling; concerns about the practice of home schooling; and the relationship between home schoolers and public-school systems. Home…

The inception of a new head marks a challenging transition for the independent school community. Though little has been written on it, numerous programs exist to help heads prepare for and assume headship. In contrast, scant attention has been given to the transition of the spouses and children of heads. However, two other kinds of "first…