Reviews the following historical phases of the recent home school movement: (1) parents' contentions about public schools; (2) home school parents' confrontations with schools and the courts; (3) cooperation between public schools and home schools; and (4) consolidation of home schools. Introduces the other articles in this issue. (BJV)

Describes the experiences of American educators on a tour of "kindergarten" (preschool) programs in China, and highlights the major characteristics of child care and preschool in that country. Addresses funding, staff training, enrollment, child-staff ratios, health and immunization, parent involvement, politicization, materials and…

Uses data from 1990-91 Schools and Staffing Survey to compare Bureau of Indian Affairs/tribal schools to public schools with high and low Indian enrollment. Examines ethnicity and qualifications of principals and teachers, educator salaries, school problems, and teacher shortages. Indicates the continuing shortage of educators from local native…

These 4 case studies examine the last years of high school and postschool experiences of 4 21-year-olds labeled mentally retarded. Issues discussed include school compliance with legislation concerning Individualized Education Programs, influence of parental involvement, adult services, and necessary employment supports. (JDD)

Discusses the First Global Classroom Youth Conference, 1993, that was organized to involve students in the design and analysis of global educational computer networks. Guidelines were suggested in three areas: (1) language and cultural issues; (2) curricular and academic issues, including the credibility of online resources; and (3) technical and…

Reports on a study of 14,249 students to determine whether participation in specific extracurricular activities (athletics and fine arts) significantly reduces a student's likelihood of dropping out. Finds that, when all activities are examined, only athletic participation remains significantly related to dropping out. (ACM)

A family-focused approach to schools and community service requires acknowledging the central role families play in children's well-being, shifting the roles of service institutions to reflect this, and creating community supports that assist families. Implementing this approach requires time for understanding and partnership. (SLD)

Profiles individual projects in six school districts across the country participating in the School-Community Connection initiative funded by the Institute for Responsive Education. These projects focus on school improvement through partnerships among schools, parents, and the community. Rural and urban elementary and secondary schools are…

Organizing a committed team to foster effective school-community partnerships is discussed, focusing on the critical role of leadership. Collaborative leadership, comprised of diverse members and different perspectives, is most successful. A list of qualities and skills that are necessary for collaborative leaders is provided. (LAJ)

Outlines the evolution and goals of the Family Literacy Project (FLP), developed to encourage parent-school partnerships through regular parent-teacher seminars. The FLP also seeks to improve parents' own literacy skills; provide parents with multiple strategies to help educate their children; and provide teachers and parents with multicultural…

A researcher and four elementary teachers conducted collaborative action research to explore, implement, and document practitioner initiated change. The article highlights the political nature of action research linked with reform, noting that peers and principals can silence teachers' voices. Collaborative action research groups may provide…

This study, involving 40 preschool children with speech/language disorders, compared the costs and effectiveness of a home parent training intervention and a clinic-based, low parent involvement intervention. Longitudinal effects were comparable, supporting the feasibility of offering options to parents and the need for broadly trained…

Examines the myths surrounding the introduction of native language instruction in American Indian communities. Despite the concerns of many parents, such instruction does not "hold back" students, and in fact empowers them to succeed in school. Parent-community involvement is essential for dispelling myths and for reinforcement of the…

Describes counseling approaches used in a two-year parenting program at a primary school. In addition to individual counseling, counselors can offer in-depth parent training programs, monthly parent presentations, or parent resource materials on needed topics. Such strategies help parents guide their children through most school problems. (RJM)

Contends that mental mapping of school and community violence provides a concrete picture of youth perspectives on violence. Presents a lesson plan to help students analyze violence issues and develop community service projects. Includes student objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and a student handout. (CFR)