Presents information on a seminar called "Developing Mathematical Ideas" with the goal of piloting a new curriculum and charting a new path for parents, schools, and children in mathematics. Explores central issues in the development of constructive, thoughtful, and generative relationships between parents and school community through parents'…

Tips to break the tension and make parent-teacher conferences productive are offered. A reproducible page with suggestions for parents entitled "How To Get the Most Out of Parent-Teacher Conferences" is included. (MT)

This article discusses ideal roles for both parents and teachers in parent-teacher conferences. Parents should use a team approach, prepare questions for the teacher, and listen to what the teacher has to say. Teachers should prepare students for the conference, create a welcoming environment for parents, and plan a general outline for the…

Suggestions are offered for resolving conflicts between parents of gifted students and educators. Specific guidelines are offered for both parents and educators to facilitate an effective conference. Additional guidelines consider conflict styles, problem solving, and the "caring confrontation" technique. (DB)

Several suggested activities from the National Parent Teacher Association are suggested for involving parents in education. Categories discussed include: parents as participants in their children's education; parents as school volunteers and supporters; and parents as participants in decision making. (CB)

Asserting that the biggest mistake educators can make is to set themselves up as experts vis-a-vis parents as amateurs, Barbara and William Christopher emphasize the importance of continued education for the autistic individual and relate their experiences with the educational community as they sought help for their autistic son. (JC)

The parent-teacher conference is a valuable strategy to improve a student's performance. This news brief offers suggestions for developing a "parent friendly" handbook to help parents effectively prepare for teacher-parent conferences. The handbook should include the basic information, a statement that emphasizes the importance of the conference,…

Suggestions for helping teachers answer questions parents may ask on discipline, reading, and family situations are offered in this article. Teachers and parents can work together to solve problems dealing with their children and students. (DF)

This article discusses practical strategies to assist parents in becoming a more inclusive part of the Individualized Education Program process. Characteristics of effective teams are provided, and strategies are listed for providing social support, increasing distinctiveness, ensuring fairness, providing a sense of similarity, and for enhancing…

Suggestions for special education teachers preparing for parent-teacher conferences include: preparing a folder showing students' tests, assignments, and progress; and encouraging a two-way dialogue by providing a supportive environment. Suggestions for parents include being responsive and receptive to teachers' suggestions and asking for…

Educational disputes involving gifted students may be resolved via conferences with parties involved, mediation, due process, or court litigation. Students in programs or activities receiving federal support may file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. Suggestions are offered for becoming informed about…

One of the key goals of the Laboratory for Student Success (LSS) is to encourage school, family, and community partnerships to improve the academic performance and socioemotional development of children and youth. Teachers face the challenge of educating an increasingly diverse student population which is growing up in varied home environments.…

Parents and teachers share responsibility for creating a working relationship that fosters children's learning. This digest examines the cultural context for parent-teacher relationships, suggests some general strategies for creating a climate in which misunderstandings and disagreements between parents and teachers can be minimized through…

This monograph for teachers outlines reasons for working with parents. It presents a sampling of practical strategies that teachers can use to foster parent competence and responsibility in the education of their children. It also contains answers to some of teachers' questions about getting parents to visit the school and encouraging them to…

Several strategies for improving communication between parents and teachers are explored in this handbook. Section I provides background information on parent-teacher communication. Recommendations to teachers for enhancing parent involvement in education are provided. Section II describes communication strategies for use in parent-teacher…