The focus that the program described in this paper took was on the development of a competent social studies educator who would have both the practical skills of teaching social studies and the conceptual-reflective skills for explaining, refining, and extending those application skills. (Author)

This document discusses the problems and prospects of developing an open classroom based on an actual experience. The document is divided into sections of preservice concerns and in-service development. The former treats such topics as open education readings; school visitations, needed facilities; and planning, organizing, implementing, and…

A Specialist Degree in Teaching is the result of a four-year development effort at the University of South Carolina designed to meet the complex needs of a career teacher. The goals and curriculum of the program are described as well as strategies for program evaluation. (MT)

Presents lists of questions that parents, teachers, and administrators can use to assess their own readiness for a parent involvement program. Outlines a process for successful program development. (SJL)

An Early Childhood Education Institute was developed by the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina State Department of Education to provide meaningful development opportunities for teachers of young children. Strategies of the planning process and instruction design are discussed. (DF)

A critical element in South Carolina's Early Childhood Development and Academic Assistance Act is the parenting and family literacy component that targets families of children aged birth to 5 years, with a special emphasis on serving parents and families of children at risk for school failure. This manual offers guidelines for developing parenting…

This paper suggests ways that educators can learn about family needs, assess readiness for family-school cooperation, explore community resources, and activate an effective family-school relationship. Examples of family-school-community programs are provided. (SJL)

Discusses how groups that include early childhood educators can create dynamic support services to combat homelessness. Covers causes of homelessness and the needs of homeless families and their young children, and presents several strategies to develop effective services for them. Emphasizes parental involvement, school and community…

Emphasizes the critical role of parental input into design and implementation of family involvement programs. Discusses what parents consider meaningful family involvement, which can constitute the foundation for program development. Suggests ways to maintain a parent focus in program decisions. (BAC)

This guidebook is designed to provide teachers, schools, parents, and other community leaders with the needed ideas, strategies, and resources to combine service learning and character education in meaningful educational activities for children and young people. The booklet contains seven short sections that provide an overview of character…