This book helps teachers gain confidence and build sensitivity when interacting with caregivers and families who speak different languages and may come from different cultural, racial, and social backgrounds. By presenting various scenarios, the authors invite readers to reflect on issues they will face as practicing teachers in classrooms and…

Parents are concerned about their children's math learning. Teachers are concerned about math teaching. When parents see what children are bringing home under the new curriculum, it is clear that their children are not working on the same mathematics that parents remember from the time when they were in school. But, the problem goes beyond grades…

Now the theory and research behind the positive behavior support (PBS) process--an approach already proven effective in schools and community programs--has been transformed into a practical, easy-to-use guide that's perfect for sharing with parents. Developed by educators and families, this user-friendly handbook offers parents easy-to-follow…

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)

Offers guidelines for parents to help their young children manage conflicts and disagreements. Guidelines include calmly articulating needs, listening to others' needs and frustrations, seeking win-win solutions, seeking general rules, modeling good conflict resolution strategies, and reviewing and celebrating successful solutions. Asserts that…

Describes the first component of a seven-part, long-range planning model for achieving school system goals. In Binghamton, New York, the process successfully involved representatives from all components of the school and community in a consensus decision-making process. (MD)

Describes a six-step process to guide day care staff who work with parents to solve problems related to child care. Engaging parents in each step can increase parents' understanding of child development, enhance their self-confidence, and build mutual trust and respect between parents and staff. (NH)

This Leader Guide and Parent Workbook has been designed to educate parents in skills for the effective communication of acceptance and the constructive management of power in relation to their children. Included is an overview of the Communication and Parenting Skills Program (CAPS), a discussion of the skills, guidelines for group leadership,…

Recognizing that aggression in children can lead to severe problems at home, in school, and in the community, this book is a guide to help parents address the negative child behaviors of whining, teasing others, throwing temper tantrums, fighting, or intentionally hurting others. Part 1 of the book, focusing on recognizing aggression, defines…

Offers advice on crisis intervention for all people who provide social services to Head Start families. Defines the conditions that constitute a crisis, and provides an explanation of four crisis categories and how to assess them. Outlines the steps home visitors take in providing support to a family in a crisis situation. (TJQ)

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)…

Six articles discuss the relationship between parents and teachers: (1) "Creating Partnership with Families: Problem-Solving Through Communication" (Keyser); (2) "Changing Our Attitudes and Actions in Working With Families" (Hilliard and Pelo); (3) "Including Parents in the Process of Documentation" (Hall, Oleson, and Gambetti); (4) "Empowering…

The activities in this booklet bring together research and practice in formats that enable communities to define and implement strategies for meeting their educational goals. The seven training activities will help teachers, administrators, school board members, parents, and community members transform their schools into places where learning is…

Using the premise that skills for living successfully are learned, not inherited, this book details for parents and teachers specific skills that parents can teach that will make a difference in children's lives. The skills have been consistently named by researchers, parents, experts, and educators as critical to success, and pilot-tested at…

Provides guidelines for educators to prepare for potentially difficult parent conferences and to conduct them to a successful conclusion. Suggestions include anticipating concerns, accentuating the positive, listening to parents, being truthful, being firm, being polite, offering solutions and assistance, asking for suggestions, admitting…