Offers the perspectives of a teacher and of a parent regarding education, literacy learning, and the roles of parents and teachers in supporting children's achievement. Emphasizes the value for and commitment to education in a single-parent, low-income minority household. Explores the myths and realities concerning relationships among culture,…

Reviews three studies exploring the effectiveness of computers and parent volunteers for remedial language skills training in young children with Down's syndrome and severe language, learning, and behavioral disabilities. The results suggest that computer-based intervention is useful. Discusses educational considerations for planning and includes…

Describes a series of science programs that involve university students, elementary students, and their parents in hands-on science activities. Conclusions are based on qualitative data collected from observations of the cooperative groups formed by the participants. Contains 47 references. (DDR)

Explores the feasibility of developing guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in early childhood teacher education, based on DAP principles for young children. DAP higher education practices include facilitation of identity development, respect for student interests, and social accountability. Components of DAP in higher…

Describes the implementation in Arlington (Virginia) schools of Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA) science and mathematics programs for secondary students learning English as a Second Language. Discusses program goals, curriculum and materials development, teacher education, instruction, native-language support, parent…

Presents the personal narrative of a Mexican immigrant mother who reports her dilemma and frustration when attempting to assist in her child's classroom. Highlights the obstacles mothers face when they seek to become actively involved in their children's classrooms, and challenges educators to seriously consider what is meant by parent…

Interviews Alvin Poussaint, noted educator and consultant to children's television programming, about the constructive use of television to educate children, parent participation in education, and the problems of providing equal education for all children. The role of single-sex education for African American males is discussed. (SLD)

Describes the creation of a flexible and varied family-school partnership for second-language learning at a Montessori preschool. Highlights how the program provided students with an opportunity to participate in second-language learning in an optimal environment while providing parents access to home-based activities that were in concert with…

Research on teaching and learning emphasizes the need for school-family partnerships, student engagement, opportunities for relevant and authentic learning, and community involvement in the learning process. The case of a gifted but bored "problem student" shows how a school counselor encouraged collaborative problem solving among…

Notes that India has experienced conditions that have lead to significant illiteracy, but that commitment to education can be found in lesser-known parts of India today. Profiles three schools in Tamil Nadu and describes a typical school day for a student with special needs, a student in a tribal setting, and a student in a rural setting. (TJQ)

Examined preschool and primary teachers' priorities in supporting parent involvement (PI) in their children's schooling in Brazil and parents' perceptions of PI practices. Found that teachers tended to value practices that included parents' support but these did not extend to the encouragement of parents' help in the teaching and learning…

Two community learning programs that use a professional development center approach to teacher education are described. In one, preservice teachers become part of a school community by participating in real classroom settings; the second, offering a laboratory classroom for elementary school children, brings education professors and students into…

This literature review addresses four variables related to school climate: teacher efficacy, collegiality (as promoted by the principal, shared decision making, and staff development), student achievement, and parent involvement. Schools attempting reform should consider how each of these variables can contribute to a positive school climate and…

Characterizes the Montessori work serving the first 3 years by recounting its genesis; describes early Montessori toddler programs, and the emergence of infant communities internationally in the early 1970s. Highlights ways parents can be supportive of the "spiritual embryo" in cooperation with the school. Suggests how parent education invites…

Describes Ellsworth and Ames' edited book as an eclectic collection including historical, ethnographic, autobiographical, empirical, and self-reflective texts. Maintains that although the book is an important contribution to the literature by placing current practices into historical and social context, thereby leading to a more critical view of…