Provides guidelines for replicating promising parent-involvement programs from research in schools. Setting goals and choosing programs carefully to match these goals are vital in assuring that programs live up to expectations. Successful programs are comprehensive, collaborative, and adaptable; have ongoing training and technical assistance; and…

Notes the lack of funded research. Finds that evidence for beliefs is lacking in any broad frame, although there are reports which add to the picture concerning how children learn to read and how they become better readers. Discusses reading research methodology. (RS)

Public schools and school boards are under attack from the religious right. Cites the strategies of some of these organizations, including quotes from Robert Simonds, the leader of Citizens for Excellence in Education. Advises school boards to have explicit policies on the selection of textbooks and academic freedom; to involve parents; and to…

This article discusses legal developments relating to the 1981 Education Act in Great Britain, focusing on court interpretation in the areas of parental rights and participation, wider integration of students with special needs into ordinary schools, defining a special educational need, reassessments, and repayment of fees. Possible future trends…

Skills that families gain in coping with transitions at the early ages of their child with visual impairments provide skills necessary for all the life-stage transitions that follow and, thus, are termed marathon skills. The transition programing of the Lighthouse Child Development Center in New York City is designed to develop those skills. (JDD)

Describes how one child care center staff helps infants make the transition to the toddler group. Transition occurs over a period of several weeks, involving parent-staff consultation and continual adult support. The child manages the change in small steps, resulting in a smooth transition and allowing the child the independence and support…

Presents results of a study of relationships between parents' education levels and the level their children's placement in a mathematics tracking system. Reports that college-educated parents are more involved and likely to intervene in their children's placement and decisions. Concludes that parent involvement at critical decision points helps to…

Provides the following explanations for the failure of drug education programs: (1) programs send confusing and dangerous messages; (2) the power of the media negates almost totally everything programs try to accomplish; and (3) drug education efforts are fragmented. Discusses how to correct these problems. (JS)

Describes an outreach program developed by a public library system for introducing library services to parents of preschool children enrolled in a Head Start center. Topics discussed include the importance of reading to children; sensitivity to bilingual needs; adult literacy needs; sample picture books; and nonprint materials available at the…

Describes the development and use of the Traveling Tales backpack for engaging children and parents in home writing activities. Shares the experiences of one child and how his family became involved in helping him write a book. (MG)

A pilot program at an upstate New York school district involved 11 middle school students identified as at risk. Basic program elements included the following: (1) placement of students with the regular group; (2) increased on-on-one contact between students and adults; (3) positive involvement of parents; (4) use of computers; and (5) team…

Experiences of parent-teacher action research teams established by eight schools that are members of the League of Schools Reaching Out illustrate that, given patience, hard work, supportive leadership, and informed facilitation, the two streams of parent and teacher empowerment can come together for academic achievement. (SLD)

Argues that parental involvement at home in such areas as reading, listening, and watching television can complement and reinforce the learning accomplished at school. Provides steps that teachers can relate to parents for becoming involved in their children's learning process. (HTH)

The president of the American Educational Research Association and professor of education and art at Stanford University explains the value of discipline-based art education, recommends that teachers reflect on their schools and initiate the changes needed to improve school culture, and suggests that educational research must become more…

In evaluating remedial reading programs, 10 guiding principles should be observed. Programs should educate teachers, increase time on task, provide taped books, transfer new skills to children's textbooks, test appropriately, employ video and telecommunications technologies, provide feedback, talk to parents, encourage children to take learning…