Examines a number of theoretical issues in the provision of education and care for preschool children in the United Kingdom, focusing on the ideology of child care, the psychology of child development, and definitions of education and care. Argues that present services are too rigid and outdated, uncoordinated, and inequitable. (MDM)

Examines familial conversation patterns of African American families during evening meals, using a social interaction analysis. Found that family size had a pervasive impact on familial interaction, and that although mothers were the clear focus of mealtime interactions, the increased number of children necessitated that fathers take a more direct…

Overviews the role of school councils in each of the 12 Canadian provinces as part of a trend toward site-based management that empowers local communities with decision making and encourages significant input from those responsible for implementing decisions. Suggests that school councils allow parents decision-making power in the policy areas of…

This article presents recommendations developed at the 1994 American Heart Association's Children's Heart Health Conference to promote cardiovascular health in children, particularly regarding public health, lifestyle, and behavior. The recommendations cover the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco, providing suggestions for schools,…

Reveals findings of a longitudinal study concerning high school dropout rates among African-American students. Identifies a link between maternal educational attainment and the likelihood that a child will complete high school. Concludes that initially poor academic performance, aggressive behavior, and poverty increase the likelihood of…

Examines sex-typing of children's housework and how parents indirectly and directly affect children's chores. Data for 600 households from the 1988 National Survey of Families and Households show that sex-typing is common and that father and mother effects were strongest in relation to the child of the same sex. (JB)

Discusses school choice policy itself, the debate between proponents and opponents, and the range of possible school choice programs. Addresses the roles of federal and state governments, the courts, and school administrators in school choice plans. Presents recommendations for achieving an educational environment that engages the minds of all…

Discusses results from the North Carolina Children and Youth Fitness Study as they relate to national fitness norms, addresses questions concerning youth fitness levels at state and national levels, encourages states to organize similar statewide studies, and compares results from North Carolina's fitness testing with Healthy People 2000 fitness…

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were used to examine factors related to the achievement and adjustment of 378 African American children in the early elementary grades. Consistent with past research, there was a positive relationship between the number of risk factors children were exposed to and the probability that they were…

Presents excerpts of interviews of leading trendwatchers who have studied or participated in early childhood and prekindergarten efforts in public schools. Provides an excerpt from the National Child Care Association's position statement on publicly funded pre-k child care programs in public schools. (BB)

Suggests practices to use and to avoid using when reading books to or with young and elementary school children. Also suggests how television viewing has supplanted reading among children and their families, and how parents and teachers can control children's television viewing and use television to its best advantage. (BB)

Parental knowledge of child sexual abuse and interest in educating themselves and their children for primary prevention was studied, via interviews with 51 mothers and 50 fathers of preschool and day-care center children. There were significant differences by sex of parent for sources of preferred information, preferred educators, and types of…

Longitudinal, retrospective, and cross-sectional data on the relationship between giftedness in childhood and adulthood indicate that children who became eminent adults did not necessarily fit conceptions of giftedness driving current school programs. The paper presents directions for school gifted programs and perspectives for families that are…

Author Joseph Chilton discusses parents' roles in child rearing, the importance of nurturing, and how negative and positive childhood experiences affect one's emotional and physical health throughout life. Describes neurocardiology, which is documenting the biological connections between the brain and heart and lifting the wisdom and intelligence…

Provides an overview of the types, challenges, and benefits of school, family, and community partnerships internationally. Discusses six types of involvement essential for a comprehensive program of partnerships in relation to the articles in this focused journal issue. Considers challenges and benefits of these partnerships as illustrated by the…