The concept of a new family coordinator (someone to orient new families to the local 4-H programs and serve as a contact person for them) is examined. The training of this coordinator, the "New Family Handbook," and benefits of this new system are discussed. (CT)

Discusses the role of independent schools operated by and for minorities. The article explores parent dissatisfaction with large urban public school systems, cultural and religious features of many private minority schools, innovative curriculum, growing trend toward independent schools, support by the community, and their model-building…

Recent research suggests parental involvement in education can be particularly helpful for children from families with low incomes. Parents who do not know how to help will almost always do what teachers ask them. Suggesting specific activities and letting parents know they can contribute to their child's progress are emphasized. (MT)

The article describes an enrichment program for gifted elementary students featuring parent involvement. Gifted students were given opportunities to learn and practice higher level thinking skills, were able to interact and exchange ideas with one another, and were exposed to challenging and exciting curricula not available in their regular…

The article examines the role of parents in easing the transition of students with disabilities from school to the adult community. Stressed is the importance of parents gathering information and participating in the development of individualized transition plans. (CL)

When planning a conference with the school principal, parents should remember that principals do not have the autonomy of those from past eras. To help ensure a successful meeting, parents can plan ahead, outline expectations, and not expect an immediate solution. (DF)

Parents (N=243) surveyed on their satisfaction regarding their handicapped child's individualized education program staffing reported four variables significantly affecting their satisfaction: (1) adequate time, (2) multidisciplinary input, (3) parent involvement, and (4) lack of blame attribution to the parents. Preparation for the staffing made…

Points out the importance of parent involvement in the career decision making of their children and suggests ways for involving parents in this process. (JOW)

Discusses research that found that the more teachers involve parents in their teaching practice, the more parents will be involved in their children's education and will recognize the efforts and merits of teachers. (JOW)

Article discusses language development as inseparable from early childhood experience. Educational task is to associate language with child's experience in the presense of an interested adult in order to generate further language development. (MS)

Describes a three-day all-school event that galvanizes a large city and an entire region. Its purpose--to make certain there is enough financial aid to maintain the diversity of the student body at the Catlin Gabel school in Portland, Oregon. (Editor/RK)

Men (N=30) attending childbirth preparation classes were interviewed before and after the birth of a first child. The data suggest that developing some kind of coherent role was more important to men's adjustments to postpartum family life than developing any particular role of high or low home life sharing activity. (Author)

Early reading looked at from the perspectives of people with whom a school administrator works: parents, staff, researchers. Cites studies which document importance of parents as teachers. Believes staff should recognize importance of involving parents in early childhood education programs.

Education policy makers identify access to quality pre-Kindergarten programs as a critical step in early childhood development. While most agree on access, definitions of quality vary widely. A new study by the National Center for Early Development & Learning (NCEDL) finds that families define quality in broader terms than educators,…