Examined sociocultural influences on mathematics achievement. First generation Chinese American and Caucasian American mother-father-daughter triads were audiotaped as the fifth- and sixth-grade girls solved a spatial puzzle. Chinese American triads were quieter, more respectful, more serious, and more orderly, whereas Caucasian American triads…

Presents the "big six," problem solving strategies of highly effective students in all grade levels and subject areas. Outlines steps parents and media specialists can follow to help students with their homework. Sidebars present the big six skills and information seeking activities and a big six assignment organizer for grades three…

Describes forms of parental choice that have been proposed as policy tools to improve education and reviews research that supports these options. Parents who exercise choice tend to be better educated and to be already involved in their children's education. In the current debate, many have ignored nonchoosing parents. (SLD)

The Hunter Javits Collaborative Project to identify and support mathematics talent of urban students is described. Program components include weekly seminars for students with teacher mentors, a summer institute, teacher professional development, and parent involvement. Characteristics and outcomes for the 45 elementary and high school student…

A 3-year examination of school-based decision-making (SBDM) councils in four rural Kentucky school districts revealed that, similar to findings in urban and suburban settings, SBDM councils in rural schools experienced difficulties in achieving true shared decision making. Decisions regarding hiring and budget management were most likely to lead…

Examined the effects of parent involvement on child adaptation and growth of autonomy during a home-school transitional year. Found that parent involvement had significant potential for change in children who struggled with problems of attachment and other issues of adaptation, and enhanced the quality of the nursery school experience for the…

Described is the relationship between a middle school and a medical school. Discussed are the background; selection, recruitment and enrollment of students; fostering teacher commitment and cooperation; curriculum design and implementation; student and parent involvement; and applicability to other settings. (KR)

Provides a legislative view of the development of the Wisconsin Parental Choice Plan mandated for the city of Milwaukee, placing this initiative in the context of the educational needs of African American children. Argues that legislators must target the complex needs of poor and ethnic minority students in urban schools. (AF)

Reviews effective schools research in relation to Catholic schooling for African-American youth, and discusses major issues affecting the survival of urban Catholic schools. Those who benefit from Catholic schooling must plan ahead if these schools are to continue. Parent participation in political and fundraising activities is essential. (SLD)

Describes Public School 146, a public elementary school in New York City where the principal has created a school community that builds on the strengths of the parents and makes the school an extended family for each child. Describes special services, a student leadership program, and student achievement gains. (JB)

Summarizes findings of a survey of middle-school teacher educators to determine what books, articles, and other resources are most used in middle-level teacher education programs. Respondents identified numerous resources that teacher education programs could incorporate. New resources are needed in community resource involvement, family…

Discusses what schools, caregivers/teachers, parents, and communities can do to ensure/enhance children's learning and school readiness in accordance with the theoretical framework and eventual implementation of the 1990 National Education Goal 1. (BB)

Describes the development, characteristics, and effectiveness of the Everybuddy Program in South Richmond-Chesterfield, Virginia, an integrated after-school care and recreation program for disabled and nondisabled children. (BB)

Discusses a school model for the next century which would build child care and family support into the school system by using school buildings for early childhood services and afterschool programs. Proposes a family support system involving three outreach programs in which parental involvement is a key factor. Discusses concerns about costs and…

High School and Beyond data for 1,332 male and 1,608 female African Americans indicate that several domains of influence help predict African-American males' postsecondary educational attainment. Family socioeconomic status, educational plans, father's influence, and peer influence are important predictors and indicate areas where student…