Addresses common concerns that early childhood teachers have about portfolio assessment, ways to find time to use portfolio assessment, and suggestions for involving young children and their families in the process of assessment and evaluation. (MDM)

A report prepared by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research and education organization, captures, frames, and focuses the public's concerns about public schools. Higher standards and more challenging work are supported, with emphasis on safety, order, and the basics of education, coupled with skepticism about unproven reform efforts. (SLD)

The national socialization of children through public schooling involves "dumbing children down" so they are unable to use democratic machinery and traditions to defend themselves against a managed society. This practice also eliminates local control of educational goals and practices, allowing families to be replaced by the hired voices…

Describes development and implementation of a school-based substance abuse preventive intervention "systems approach" strategy. Interventions are selected and linked to existing school program/personnel components for reinforcement based on local needs assessment survey data. Modifications are ongoing corresponding to the results of a substance…

Describes how Drake University Head Start, the largest Head Start agency in Iowa, provides extensive support for staff and parents in developing high levels of professional competency. Education and employment opportunities are provided through: a parent university; teacher associate/bus associate workshops; employment and tuition waivers;…

Examines children's response to initial separation as they enter school or day care. Suggests that starting school is normally accompanied by some degree of anxiety for both children and parents. Examines two patterns of insecure attachment: anxious-avoidant and anxious-resistant. Offers ideas and practical suggestions for helping parents and…

Examined the reasons parents read to their children using interviews from 25 Brisbane parents. Reasons given for reading aloud to their children were categorized under the following five main headings: pleasure for the child, functionality, good start at school, closeness, and quiet time. Concludes with a discussion of the practical implications…

Benchmarks are designed to demystify educational goals and illuminate the nature of good performance for teachers, students, and parents. Since 1987, the Toronto Board of Education has developed over 100 language and mathematics benchmarks at grades 3, 6, and 8, combining observation with holistic evaluation. Instruction, learning, and evaluation…

This article presents guidelines for parents to ease the child's transition to a new school. Suggestions are given for preparing the child for the move, preparing the school for the change, and facilitating adjustment to new environments. (SM)

Focuses on recently published children's books by and about Blacks. Provides an overview of current African American authors and artists writing for elementary school children and examines themes, issues, and trends in their work. Discusses the role of literature in literacy development and its place in home and classroom activities. (AF)

The corporate perspective on school reform efforts in Chicago (Illinois) is provided. Illinois Bell supports the local school council (LSC) structure by encouraging its workers to run for election to LSCs and providing workshop training for employees through its Project SERVE (Serving Educational Reform with Volunteer Efforts). (SLD)

Reports how 163 students who had attended alternative elementary schools in Wichita (Kansas) performed in secondary schools and beyond, and compares them to 186 regular students. Alternative education intervention positively affects student achievement and completion of formal education programs. Parent involvement was a common, important factor…

Schools cannot solve society's ills, but they can be held accountable for teaching academic subjects and developing thinking skills. Parents and teachers must be integral parts of any planned reforms. Excellence in urban schools is achieved by focusing on academic achievement, encouraging parent involvement, and professional renewal. (SLD)

An understanding of developmental psychology should be the basis of school reform. How students grow and learn is the obvious focal point for efforts to establish improvement policies. Experiences in creating a climate in inner-city schools that supports development are described. (SLD)

Analysis of data from 11 interviews with parents of children with disabilities, 3 focus groups, and parent action research logs yielded 5 themes: parents felt ill-prepared to help children with homework; parents wanted more information about teachers' expectations; parents wanted individualized homework assignments; parents valued family…