The social support networks of 418 adults with mental retardation who live at home were found to be large, durable, active, and diverse in their composition. Family members predominated as members. Males and those with the most severe mental retardation were found to be at risk for social isolation. (Author/JDD)

Legislation requires that early intervention services be delivered to young special needs children within the family context. To help rural professionals develop effective partnerships with American Indian families, common family cultural characteristics are outlined: extended family, permissive discipline, respect for children, group orientation,…

Middle school students need support in transitioning from childhood into adolescence, and a realignment of families, schools, and communities is important. The 1989 Carnegie Council Task Force report recommends re-engaging families and communities to help middle school students. The paper discusses how to enhance family and community involvement.…

In 1990-91 the Education for All Handicapped Children Act Amendments (1986) will require public schools to provide appropriate educational services for three and four year olds with handicapping conditions. This article examines this legislation, the historical factors contributing to its passage, and its implications for children, families, and…

Describes an interview format for use in engaging families of young people with disabilities in dialogue regarding vocational programming needs. The interview addresses parental expectations, family experiences and preferences, the student's personal needs, family support, transportation options, and wages and benefits. Ways to integrate results…

Describes the Elma School District (Washington) birth-to-kindergarten program. One-fourth of the 100 students in the program are developmentally delayed. Family-focus elements include parent volunteers, home visits, class visitations, parenting information dissemination, parent-teacher conferences, referral to social services, and intervention.…

Outlines a major literacy initiative for urban children taking place in the Dallas, Texas Public Schools. Describes several different programs at the school district level aimed at family and community outreach, in order to create a literacy-education support system with primary care givers in the homes. (SR)

Discusses three studies involving the Adaptive Success Identity Plan (ASIP). Study 1 provides reliability and validity evidence. Study 2 indicates that programming efforts targeting family involvement, self-efficacy, and stress and time management should enhance college outcomes. Study 3 shows that participants were more likely to use success…

Reviews early education practices that respect families' effects on child development, acknowledges families as decision makers, and supports families' role in educating and caring for children. Discusses three principles for family-centered practice and describes continuing challenges and opportunities suggested in the research findings. Charts…

Analyzed data from a 1996 end-of-the-year survey that updated information on schools in the National Network of Partnership Schools, which was designed to build comprehensive programs of school, family, and community partnerships. Results indicated that five ingredients were crucial for partnership success: active and supportive action teams,…

This article explores some fundamental features that foster the development of collaborative relationships and collaborative communities, which in turn support the success of students with disabilities. Effective mechanisms are presented for accessing and improving collaborative support networks. Start-up problems that may arise in many schools…

Explores benefits derived from the "Gardendale Family" (a vertically aligned team of K-6 classrooms in which students remain throughout their elementary school careers). Focuses on ways in which the Gardendale Family has built a strong school-based community within which family/parent involvement is crucial. (SR)

One way to improve technology training for teachers is to use multimedia. This article defines multimedia, discusses the benefits and measurable outcomes of interactive multimedia training, and presents a case study of the DeKalb County (Atlanta, GA) School System's teacher training project and family technology resource centers, resulting in a…

A kindergarten rodeo organized by teachers in Hector, Arkansas, rekindled family and community interest in the school and helped develop a sense of connectedness and inclusiveness toward Hispanic families new to this previously all-White, Protestant community. Contains 14 references. (TD)

This article presents recommendations to increase family involvement among culturally/linguistically diverse families of children with disabilities. Recommendations include using different communication approaches, providing alternative meeting sites, providing information and training to parents, and understanding family priorities, needs, and…