This report describes two studies completed by the Child Advocacy Commission of Durham, North Carolina. The Durham school system has one of the lowest retention rates of any system in the state. The studies were used to advocate for and help implement new and better dropout prevention strategies in their schools. The report also outlines the need…

This information brief discusses the parental role in supporting a postsecondary student with a disability. It stresses that parents continue to be important role models and guides for their young adult sons and daughters and that parents may be a key part of the support network students with disabilities need to succeed in the postsecondary…

In October 1994 the President signed into law the "Improving America's Schools Act." Title I, the largest primary and secondary federal education program was reauthorized by this legislation, which, among other things rewrote the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The reauthorized law provides parents, advocates, and school…

The manual offers guidance in coping with the major transitions commonly encountered by persons with disabilities. Seven life/education transitions are identified: (1) the environment of services for a child from birth to age 3; (2) the first preschool program for children aged 3 and 4; (3) movement of the disabled child into kindergarten at age…

This guide for parents of gifted children answers frequently asked questions, identifies resources, and text of relevant California laws and regulations. Preliminary material includes an introduction and a "Declaration of the Educational Rights of the Gifted Child" by Barbara Clark. Part 1 provides answers to parents' questions…

Explains the educational rights that exist for special needs children and ways that parents can advocate to obtain appropriate services. Benefits of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) are explained as well as what to do if the parent disagrees with the IEP assessment. (GLR)

This guide accompanies a five-part video series on learning disabilities (total length of 40 minutes), designed to help in the identification of children who may have learning disabilities and in the development of appropriate actions on their behalf. The guide introduces three children, whose true stories are told in the videos to illustrate the…

This guide for parents provides information on the early intervention program in New York for infants and toddlers with disabilities. It includes information on: (1) eligibility requirements for early intervention services; (2) symptoms that may indicate infants or toddlers have a disability; (3) the importance of parent participation in seeking…

This theme issue provides an overview of how parents and professionals can be involved in advocacy efforts for children with disabilities, ages 3 and older. The guide begins with a definition of advocacy and a discussion of parents' and professionals' roles as advocates. It outlines legal rights, specific parental rights provided by the…

This manual is intended for parents of high school students with severe disabilities and offers guidelines for evaluating a high school program and ways parents can improve existing programs. In the first section seven key characteristics of a good high school are identified: (1) integrated; (2) age appropriate; (3) community-based; (4)…

This publication presents papers and reprints of articles aimed at family members of persons with mental illnesses. After an introductory chapter, the second chapter reviews definitions of mental illness, and discusses what is known about medicating such conditions as well as the relationship of substance abuse to mental illness. The next chapter…

This directory contains information about 214 organizations that offer support, information, and other services to parents of seriously emotionally handicapped children and adolescents in the United States. The directory listings were compiled from information obtained through a 1985-86 survey of parent organizations conducted by the Families as…

This book is a guide to educating and nurturing children with mathematical talent. Chapter 1 presents and refutes 12 myths about mathematically talented students, especially the idea that it is best not to deviate from regular programming. The second chapter is a guide for parents in their efforts to advocate for their child in the regular school…

In order to assist professionals and policymakers more consistently engage parents in their work, this document uses the personal stories of several parents to illustrate how parents get involved in family programs and how some parents built on their natural leadership abilities to move from personal involvement to take on broader leadership…

This monograph is designed for New York parents and school personnel charged with administering the screening instruments for incoming kindergarten students to determine possible giftedness. It begins by explaining Article 65 of New York's Compulsory Education and School Census Law, Section 3208, which requires that parents be notified if their…