There is no question that students who experience homelessness, like all students, are entitled to be educated. A federal law, known as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, requires states to provide homeless children and youth with the same access to free appropriate public education as is available to other students. The Act also requires…

This manual provides information that can help parents resolve conflict and provides information required to conduct Family Problem Solving Training sessions. The guide, which introduces conflict mediation skills to parents, is divided into four 1.5 hour sessions. The sessions are (1) "Introduction to Conflict Mediation, How to Use…

This document offers families the tools for handling conflict. Conflict is a normal and unavoidable part of life. We cannot avoid conflict, but we can learn to "fight fair," attacking the problem and not the person. Weapons that attack people and not problems are listed as fouls, destructive habits that can be changed. Fighting fair…

This annotated bibliography of 39 books is designed to tap the rich resource of children's literature to stimulate discussion of violence and of alternative, peaceful ways to resolve conflict. The most important criterion for selection was that issues of violent and nonviolent conflict resolution are presented so that students can examine the…

Aimed at parents of early adolescents, this book helps parents provide the skills teens need to cope with life's everyday frustrations and to make informed decisions about problems such as the stresses of homework, friendship, contending with peer pressure, and dealing with bullies. The foundation of the book is the "I Can Problem Solve" (ICPS)…

Divided into five parts, this book examines some of the conflicts that Canadian children face on a daily basis and explores ways that adults can help children address these challenges. Chapter 1 looks at the causes behind conflicts, and examines some of the concepts concerning conflict and conflict resolution. Chapter 2 discusses self-esteem, what…

Suggestions are offered for resolving conflicts between parents of gifted students and educators. Specific guidelines are offered for both parents and educators to facilitate an effective conference. Additional guidelines consider conflict styles, problem solving, and the "caring confrontation" technique. (DB)

This column examines how to reconcile differences in parents' and teachers' ideas of learning and prevent the negative effects on children when teachers and parents do not agree, recommending that good conversation and communication are the best ways to prevent such conflicts from happening in the first place. (SM)

Children move through the same anger cycle as adults and need similar coping strategies and problem solving skills. This paper presents pre-anger approaches, discussing what to do before the "boil-over" occurs, when the boiling point is reached, and after the boil-over. A sidebar presents a list of questions and activities parents can use with…

Daily misunderstandings between adults and children can create a host of stressful problems, from annoyance to abuse and violence. This book offers specific, concrete ways to communicate and problem solve effectively with kids. The book stresses two-way communication, helping children come to know their own thoughts and feelings so that they can…

Provides guidance for parents in dealing with sibling conflicts. Discusses the importance of defusing sibling fights calmly and with humor and love, and the need to stay out of sibling squabbles when possible. Suggestions for guiding children through a problem-solving process include listening, summarizing, examining, and generalizing. (KB)

Two booklets, in English and Spanish, are addressed to families of disabled adults and offer guidelines for establishing an adult relationship with the disabled individual within the family. Stressed are the importance of helping the disabled adult develop a positive self image, learning to truly listen to the adult as part of improving…

This paper is designed to enable disability activists, parents, and advocates to negotiate effectively. It begins by describing negotiations for short-term or long-term changes and different approaches for negotiating. Steps for preparing for negotiation are listed, along with strategies: (1) control the negotiation session; (2) never negotiate…

This facilitators' handbook is intended primarily for use in workshops for parents and teachers involved in cooperative preschools. The handbook provides practical resources for anyone working in a group setting, and is designed with the aim of developing learners' skills in leadership and group activities. After introductory information, chapter…

This document provides answers to frequently asked questions on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the education rights of children and youth in homeless situations. The answers are general responses based on federal statutes, regulations, and guidance; relevant case law; and best practices from across the country. While the National…