Examined applicability of scaffolding and zone of proximal development to the study of dementia. Compared caregiver-patient dyads (n=29) to normal elderly dyads (n=16) in terms of strategies used in completing the Block Design subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised. Results indicated that caregiver-patient dyads can be observed…

The article describes "Parents and Children" (PAC), a Rochester (New York) support organization for families in which one or both spouses are hearing impaired. PAC origins, the goals and purposes of PAC, the types of programs offered, and model replication guidelines for other communities are discussed. (Author/DB)

The next wave of educational reform proposals is targeting the persistent dropout rate and the declining level of adult literacy. Evidence of an intergenerational link between these two issues suggests the need for new models of education, holistic analysis of educational disadvantage, and family and community interventions. (SK)

Recognizes the importance of each classroom being a proactive, multicultural learning center, noting the barriers (such as low self-esteem) in adults and children that often inhibit such an environment. Gives teachers and administrators specific actions and strategies for a systematic approach to family-school collaboration and advocacy for…

The National Aural Group was formed to promote the use of an auditory-oral approach with families of very young children with hearing impairments in the United Kingdom. The group's activities include summer school programs to educate parents, follow-up weekend sessions, support networks and helplines, and fact sheets and booklets. (JDD)

Recaps current federal Department of Education programs, including: Family Involvement Partnership (to increase family involvement in education); READ, WRITE, NOW (summer reading program); and America Goes Back to School (community-wide effort to increase awareness of, involvement with, and support for schools). (ET)

Recognizing the benefits of parental involvement, these suggested activities comprise a starter list for educators interested in encouraging parents to participate in their students' education: training opportunities, homework helplines, school personnel directories, promotion and recognition of parent efforts, casual social affairs, needs and…

Examined the relationships between individual psychological characteristic, social contextual levels of family and culture, and mathematics performance in young adolescents. Found that scholastic ability perception is associated with the mathematics performance of students and that, at different levels of the social context, young adolescents'…

This article outlines principles of support services for families of children with disabilities. It then considers characteristics of parents of young children who are deaf/hard of hearing (e.g., gender, hearing status, socioeconomic status, and cultural/linguistic status) and child characteristics (age at diagnosis, hearing level, and additional…

Investigated the participation rates of fathers, as compared to mothers, in research related to parent and older adolescent psychological symptoms, drinking behavior, and perceived competence. Fathers and mothers did not differ in their rates of participation in the research. Additionally, few differences were found between participating and…

Discusses ways physicians can develop family exercise programs for patients, with recommendations for preparing families to exercise and maintain physical activity at all levels. Family exercise lets people spend time together with mutual support that helps them make long-term commitments to fitness. The physician's role is to support that…

This paper considers issues affecting collaboration of professionals and family members in assessing children with special needs. Issues include process versus outcome, the balance of power between families and professionals, choices available to families, sequencing of services, formal versus informal assessment, family concerns and priorities,…

An ongoing parent education/support group for Mexican-origin Latino parents of young children with Down's syndrome was developed. The paper discusses culturally mediated concepts related to group structure, membership, and leadership; problems affecting maintenance and growth of the group; and potential value of such support groups for this parent…

Future scenario writing is presented as a combined writing and problem-solving technique that identifies alternative ways of thinking about situations. Uses of future scenario writing in family problem solving include setting family goals, communicating growth resulting from new experiences, resolving family problems, encouraging family…

Offers research-based suggestions for strengthening home-school partnerships, with emphasis on the significance of communication. The article discusses qualities of the teacher-leader, five types of parent involvement, and dialog development; it includes a checklist for an effective parent-school partnership. (SM)