This guide provides information and strategies for Kentucky parents to become better partners in the education of their primary school children. Chapter 1 of the guide outlines a typical school day for a primary school student in Kentucky. Chapter 2 explains how children learn and how instruction will change as Kentucky schools move toward greater use of developmentally appropriate practices. Characteristics of a quality primary school learning environment are identified in chapter 3. Chapter 4 reviews the learning goals and outcomes used in Kentucky schools, and explains the assessment of students' abilities in reading, writing, and math. Chapter 5 offers suggestions for parents to participate in their child's education. Suggestions for parents relate to visiting their child's classroom, attending parent-teacher conferences, helping their child with homework, helping their child learn more effectively, and performing volunteer work at school. Chapter 6 discusses parents' reading with their children, and provides lists of children's books. Frequently asked questions about primary schools are answered in chapter 7. Appendices include Kentucky laws on primary school, Kentucky regulations on primary school, and a discussion of the use of television to foster children's school readiness. A glossary of terms commonly used in primary education and a 27-item reference list are provided. (BC)