A national survey of parents (n=240) newly referred to Parent to Parent programs was conducted. These programs match an experienced parent of a special needs child in a one-to-one relationship with a newly referred parent. Newly referred parents preferred a wide range of supports, with the child's age and severity of disability affecting the need…

Presents a response to Gifford-Smith and Brownell's "Childhood Peer Relationships: Social Acceptance, Friendships, and Peer Networks" (this issue). Suggests that an ecological/developmental perspective of the development of peer relationships, the contextualization of knowledge, and the utilization of action research as essential to the future of…

A study of a junior high school inclusion program that provided four students with disabilities with nondisabled student aids found the students with disabilities experienced growth in levels of independence, social networks, academic skills, and in behavior. Describes beneficial outcomes for the student aids and contributing successful program…

Interviews with low-income, American Indian, single parents on the Rosebud Reservation in Todd County, South Dakota, included families who were on and who had left Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Welfare reform issues discussed included transportation problems; access to affordable, quality child care; food insecurity; and the scarcity of…

Reports survey results from 2,234 Montana students on drinking prevalence, age at first drink, drinking consequences, nondrinkers' reasons for abstinence, acquaintance with teenage alcoholics, friends' drinking behavior, and drinking and driving. Finds prevalence of alcohol use among Indians significantly higher than that of non-Indians. Discusses…

Suggests a dilemma confronts sociologists in the review and publication of their works. Claims that relying on peer review impedes the practice of open and fair judgments because social networks bind people to one another. Observes that peer review can limit new and critical thinking. Urges that manuscripts be judged on their own merits. (NL)

Describes "program without walls" for developing community services in rural areas. Emphasizes importance of creative collaboration and redesign of traditional support programs to offer comprehensive community services tailored to needs of rural families and individuals. Suggests practical applications of "without walls" model. (Author/TES)

Teachers determine how much school reform filters down to the classrooms. Teacher networks appear to be one of the few realistic options for restructuring the education enterprise. (SI)

Focuses on a European Co-operation Program designed to foster self-development in the teaching of foreign languages during the residency of established foreign scholars. The program aims to utilize an extensive network of contacts to develop structures, procedures, and learning support materials enabling language teachers to enhance their…

Developed peer-led telephone support and advising network for adult learners at one university. Peer leaders (n=22) contacted total of 116 new students with 3 calls each during first semester. Adult learners in telephone program were retained at level greater than those in control group. Two groups did not differ significantly in grade point…

Describes Eastern Kentucky Teachers' Network (EKTN), developed by Foxfire Teacher Outreach program for training teachers in "Foxfire approach" to education. Describes development of EKTN from summer workshop idea to three-woman office. Describes classroom projects initiated by EKTN, and program's effect on teachers. (TES)

Traces the development of the Eastern Kentucky Teachers Network (EKTN)--an organization providing formal training and peer support to teachers using the Foxfire instructional approach in their classrooms. Describes the structure and staff of EKTN; training workshops; and informational, emotional, and financial support provided to teachers. (SV)

Describes how parents in two communities constructed their roles in a social context shaped by economic resources, local notions of home-school relations, and information networks. Examines parenting as a social activity internalized by individuals through their daily interactions. Shows how family-role perceptions and school practices are…

Information on friends at 9 and 13 years, individual and family characteristics at 13 years, and substance use at 15 years was provided by 110 adolescents and their mothers. Results suggest that agreement about the friendship network is a potentially important process for defining how adolescents and parents maintain connectedness. (SLD)

A study investigated the characteristics of the support networks of 25 Australian mothers with intellectual disabilities. Three types of support networks were found based on mothers' living arrangements: mothers living in a parent/parent-figure household, mothers living alone with their children, and mothers living with a partner in their own…