Presents an interview with historian Cary Carson of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and author William Styron on the role of history in society. Outlines the once-proposed Disney history theme park near Mannassas, Virginia. Discusses historical interpretation, museums, historical sites, and popular history. (CFR)

Examined the reasons parents read to their children using interviews from 25 Brisbane parents. Reasons given for reading aloud to their children were categorized under the following five main headings: pleasure for the child, functionality, good start at school, closeness, and quiet time. Concludes with a discussion of the practical implications…

Describes the illness and death of a young boy enrolled in an early childhood program. Discusses how maintaining open communication, sharing genuine reactions, talking with parents and a clinical psychologist, sharing carefully chosen books, and supporting the child and his family throughout the experience were helpful in coping with this event.…

Focuses on recently published children's books by and about Blacks. Provides an overview of current African American authors and artists writing for elementary school children and examines themes, issues, and trends in their work. Discusses the role of literature in literacy development and its place in home and classroom activities. (AF)

Demonstrates that the educational needs of Black mothers of preadolescent children can be determined by using an instrument that takes into account the way both generations feel about their relationship. The Parental Strengths and Needs Inventory proved a worthwhile tool for making decisions about curriculum content appropriate for mothers. (AF)

Reviews approaches using computer-assisted instruction that may be effective strategies to use with at-risk students. Highlights include developing an Individual Educational Plan (IEP); criteria for selecting appropriate educational software; keeping parents informed; the use of multimedia; high standards and performance-based evaluation; and…

The article identifies five themes of current school reform policies and efforts and evaluates their possible effects on programs for students with behavior disorders. They are (1) allowing more parental choice; (2) doing more with less; (3) achieving competitive academic excellence; (4) eliminating violence and disruptive behavior; and (5)…

The University of Southern California's process for revising maternity leave to include fathers and adoptive parents is chronicled, including separate changes in staff and faculty policies. Proposed policies are outlined. Status of the proposed changes during a period of administrative change and future prospects for policy development are…

Suggests that most bioethical decisions concerning children born with catastrophic illnesses should be made by parents with input from physicians and health care workers and guidance from hospital infant ethics committees. The child protective service system should have the final authority to assure that the decisions of caregivers do not…

Provides information on alcoholism and codependency to help teachers identify and respond to children of alcoholics (COAs). Discusses characteristics of alcoholic homes and problems encountered by children and adult COAs. Examines survival "masks" of COAs, including hero, rebel, adjustor, clown, and caretaker. Lists organizational,…

Suggests ways in which parents, teachers, and caregivers can deal with young children's concerns and fears about war. These include assuring children that adults will take care of them; limiting adult television viewing; knowing how much to tell children about war; being good listeners; monitoring children's war play; and helping children deal…

Reports the contraceptive and gender role attitudes of 60 working class African-American youth in Atlanta (Georgia). Most were close to both parents and received parental support, but only half received adequate contraceptive information from parents. Cultural contributions to attitudes about sexuality and pregnancy are discussed. (SLD)

A question-and-answer format is used to summarize requirements concerning suspension and expulsion of students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. Questions address definitions, due process rights, suspension and expulsion as a "change of placement," the Interim Alternative…

Observes that the influence of television and media violence on children's behavior is of concern to many people. Examines research related to the influence of such violence on children's behavior and to teaching about the differences between television and real-life violence. Makes suggestions for dealing with this concern. (DSK)

Presents interview with Weikart, founder and president of High/Scope Foundation, on a multi-national study of the nature, quality, and effects of children's experiences prior to formal schooling. Discusses findings related to international similarities in children and parents, engagement levels, the impact of training on teachers, parent roles,…