This paper examines the legal mandates as well as the definitions and indicators for a family-centered early childhood system of care for children with special needs. Legislation discussed includes the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant (Title V of the Social Security Act). Various definitions…

A proposed research project focusing on the role of parents in promoting their children's learning of English as a Second Language is outlined. Specifically, the research would investigate the extent to which parental support and interaction of various kinds will enhance the learning and acquisition of English in low-income Hispanic kindergarten…

Designed to be perused at any point, this book is for people who understand that creating and maintaining good public schools is a never-ending effort requiring everyone's attention. The book has four main sections: introduction, strategies, background information, and resources. The introduction discusses some problems facing today's schools and…

Grade Level Evaluation (GLE) is a computerized criterion-based reference examination designed for elementary schools and secondary schools. The advanced software program is coupled with an in-depth curriculum covering basic computational and critical thinking skills for each grade. This packet introduces the software and its use. GLE is a…

In order to help local school boards develop and implement early childhood programs that best serve families in their communities, this monograph chronicles the world of early childhood programs and examines the role of groups and institutions that serve young children, including the public schools, parents, social service agencies, and business.…

This report summarizes the work of the Connecticut Task Force on the Education of Early Adolescents, which convened to make recommendations for reform policies in middle grade education. Prompted by a report issued by the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, this report is the result of efforts to define the specific tasks that needed to be…

Noting that developing a Head Start family partnership is an ongoing process that begins at enrollment and continues through transition out of the program, this guide for directors and staff looks at the process of developing such partnerships and provides the skills and information needed to form meaningful partnerships. Following an introductory…

The University of Chicago's Chapin Hall Center for Children evaluated the progress of the Making the Most of Out-of-School Time (MOST) Initiative in Boston, Chicago, and Seattle. MOST's goals are to improve the supply, accessibility, affordability and quality of school-age care, especially for low-income children; and to strengthen the overall…

Noting that greater family participation in early childhood programs is a widely-held goal, this report addresses the fundamental skills that early childhood teachers and caregivers need to fully involve families in their young children's lives at school and the child care center. The report defines those skills in four areas of a community of…

This paper discusses the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) and its impact on school facilities planning and community involvement in related decision making. Since 1900, the pattern of rural school reform, nationally and in Kentucky, has been one of increased state and federal control, with cost effectiveness and equity the primary criteria in…

This report outlines the overall design and implementation of Teacher Support Teams (TSTs), a concept developed under the auspices of the Massachusetts Board of Education to help administrators, teachers, and other school personnel and parents to identify at-risk students in regular education. TSTs, developed at individual schools and…

A case study was done of the Stay-in-School Partnership (SSP) between Fordham University (Bronx) and New York City Public School Districts in East Harlem and the South Bronx with high minority student concentrations. In particular, 3 to 5 elementary schools participated, including 120 children spanning kindergarten through grade 5 and their…

The 15 papers in this collection present a Canadian perspective on providing services to children with disabilities in regular classes and schools. The papers are grouped into three sections: Philosophical, Legal and Historical Overview; Parent and Self-Advocacy; and Innovations and Practical Applications. Chapters have the following titles and…

In 1986, Illinois implemented the Children at Risk of Educational Failure preschool program. By the 1991-1992 school year, almost 25,000 children were enrolled in the program. This document reports on accessibility to, and community involvement in, the program, and instructional and evaluation practices used in the program. The section on…

This two-part document describes the background and development of "Role Models Are Real People," a speakers' program for at-risk American Indian students, grades 6-8, in Chicago. The first part of the document includes the program proposal, outlining dropout statistics and other data showing reason for concern about American Indian…