Three groups of preservice teachers (two enrolled in an undergraduate family-involvement course and one comprised of experienced certified teachers) completed surveys addressing attitudes, feasibility, and preparation factors for nine parent/school-involvement activities. The first two groups were more likely to participate in innovative…

Discusses the PCs for Families experiment, a longitudinal quantitative and ethnographic study of networked computing in the fifth-grade classroom examining how networked computing affects students' educational achievements, attitude and professional development of teachers and support instructors, and how families support students and react to the…

Studies 89 multiethnic families with four-year-old children in the Netherlands to measure home literacy over a period of years. Tests and assesses children after formal reading instruction. Supports the hypothesis that home literacy is multifaceted. (PA)

Meta-analysis was used to review 56 programs designed to promote family wellness and prevent child maltreatment to determine program effectiveness and identify positive factors. Intensive family preservation programs with high levels of participant involvement, an empowerment/strengths-based approach, and a component of social support had higher…

A study involving 58 parents of children with disabilities investigated how professionals could help families learn how to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Sensitivity toward child specific issues of ethnicity and disability, and parental involvement in parent-professional partnerships were stressed. (Contains…

A study explored the perspectives of nine participants engaged in a specific person-centered future planning model for individuals with disabilities and their families. Focus group themes included: evolution of person-centered planning circles or teams, inhibitors to the person-centered planning process, supports to the person-centered planning…

This article traces the history of transition programs for adolescents with disabilities and the role that transition plays within current reform efforts. Best practices are discussed and strategies for school programs are provided, including individualized planning, involvement of family and support networks, a focus on community outcomes, and…

This article discusses the confusion, inaccuracies, and misperceptions arising from the term "infant mental health," and proposes a framework for the use of the term. This framework sets out a language and clear distinctions among the categories of promotion, relationship-based preventive intervention, and treatment. (Contains references.)…

Describes the evolution of a transdisciplinary team for assessing infants and toddlers identified as at-risk for developmental delay. The assessment process is outlined and includes information on instruments used in assessing the cognitive, language, and motor development of infants and toddlers. Obstacles encountered with families and methods…

In 1997, the National PTA developed and adopted National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs to help schools, communities, and parenting groups implement effective parent involvement. Six standards are essential for optimum results (communicating, parenting, student learning, volunteering, school decision making and advocacy, and…

Provides an in-depth look at two young women (ages 18 and 22) with severe mental retardation who obtained competitive employment with support from their families, employment specialist, and coworkers while attending public school. The process and design of such employment supports are described. (Author/CR)

A study explored the orientation of 32 Finnish professionals in child neurological units toward child assessment and planning. Results indicate that practices were not implemented consistently and that professionals' varying perceptions of the concept of comprehensiveness and family involvement interfered with implementation of guidelines for…

This article discusses family-centered functional therapy, a model of practice for children with motor dysfunction based on tenets derived from family-centered philosophy and dynamic systems theory. This model stipulates that parents must be included in the identification of functional goals. Positive results of pilot work with 12 children are…

Discusses five Montessori insights about children's development as they relate to family and school life: independence and autonomy, community and socialization, interest in culture and morality, preadolescents' apprenticeship for adulthood, and adult acceptance of the evidence of change. Notes that underlying dynamics of home and school are alike…

Describes collaborative efforts where museums and community organizations encourage family involvement in science, including the Girls at the Center (GAC) and Community Connections programs. Discusses challenges, strengths of partnerships, outreach efforts, and museum-based events. Contains 12 references. (JRH)