The purpose of this research brief is to summarize the literature on research conducted with at-risk students. Emerging from the research are three central groups of factors that are characteristic of at-risk students: (1) social and family background; (2) personal problems; and (3) school factors. In spite of the presence of several risk factors,…

This theme issue includes six articles about nurturing parent and community involvement in schools, particularly schools serving Hispanic, immigrant, or economically disadvantaged students. "Thinking about Learning: The Community and Academic Standards" (Oanh H. Maroney, Aurelio M. Montemayor) describes a Corpus Christi (Texas) project…

Seventy-five families of children with special needs were interviewed after one year's experience with early intervention services and 69 of these families were then re-interviewed a year later after two years of such services. Five themes were identified in the families' views of "what works well." These were: (1) consistency of staff, (2) home…

A study examined whether storybook exposure and the amount of teaching in reading and writing skills provided by parents would enhance the language skills and emergent literacy of 47 first-grade children. Hierarchical regression analyses that controlled for parents' print exposure, and children's age and analytical intelligence showed that at the…

In response to the National Education Goals panel's recognition of the role that parents can have in children's learning and school performance, the "Survey on Family and School Partnerships in Public Schools K-8" was conducted to determine the ways schools are engaging parents in their children's education and the extent to which…

The effects of overall attendance at parent conferences on Title I student's standardized test scores were studied in the Dallas (Texas) Public Schools. Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVA's) were conducted to investigate the effect of overall attendance on students' standardized test scores, and Cohen's "f" statistics were used as an index…

The factors or variables that contribute to the academic success of limited English proficient students in three schools in New York City were studied. Researchers studied two elementary schools and one high school with successful bilingual education programs. A team of five researchers visited the schools, observed bilingual classes, interviewed…

In "Abbott v. Burke" the New Jersey Supreme Court determined that the state constitutional guarantee to a thorough and efficient education must include a supplemental program designed to wipe out the deficits poor children bring with them to school. In this report, the Education Law Center draws on educational research to identify the…

The Tellin' Stories Project in Washington, DC, was developed to increase the involvement of economically disadvantaged, often limited English-speaking parents in the educational process of their children. The project connected parents, educators, schools, and communities. The third-year evaluation process consisted of these activities: a focus…

Ideas, shortcuts, and tips on discipline, portfolios, academics, and parent involvement are organized in a list format to help teachers work more efficiently. The six chapters include: (1) Academics (Reading, Writing, Spelling, Science, and Math Journals); (2) Portfolios; (3) Discipline; (4) Caring; (5) Parents (First Time Communication,…

This guide for parents explains the changes in the federal special education law resulting from the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Changes related to the parent's role in decisions about the child's education and in how schools can discipline special education students are highlighted. A…

As the preschool and early years of schooling were becoming the focus of increasing attention, the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department commissioned a review of United Kingdom and international literature on the use of early intervention schemes for disadvantaged students. The resulting review presents evidence on the most appropriate…

This is an evaluation of the first 2 years of a 5-year comprehensive Bilingual Education grant funded by Title VII Part A of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 in the Austin Independent School District (AISD) (Texas). The grant awarded to the AISD funds a program of Developmental Bilingual Education at two elementary schools where more…

The Foundation for Excellent Schools (FES) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of American public education through programs designed to increase opportunities and improve the academic performance of all students by bringing together educators, students, parents, and the local business community. Since 1987, the FES and…

This booklet summarizes Part 4 of Great Britain's 1996 Education Act, which replaces the 1993 Education Act in name, though not in substance. The main aspects of the Act are identified first and include a Code of Practice for schools and local education agencies (LEAs), a time limit for identifying and assessing students with special needs, and…