This book evolved from a conference convened to address critical issues in the education of children and youth with autism (Reston, Virginia, February 1980). Fourteen papers deal with critical issues in the education of autistic children and youth from perspectives of administrators, teachers, parents, researchers, and program developers. B.…

In this practicum, a plan to establish consistency in classroom management was implemented in order to enhance the positive behaviors of preschool and kindergarten children. Participating in the project were 7 classrooms serving 149 preschool and kindergarten children. A total of 14 staff members received inservice training in operant conditioning…

Teachers can gain strength to continue in their profession by consciously forging links--personal, parental, professional, promotional, and practitioner--that bind them to various constituencies. (MLF)

Noting that developing a strong relationship between the elementary or middle school and the family can help prevent students feelings of alienation and problems in learning, this guidebook provides a resource to help K-8 educators involve the entire family in the educational experience. Chapter 1 of the book outlines the vision for parent…

Intended for new and experienced teachers in grades K-8, this book takes readers through a process of thinking about how to put portfolios into action. The book models a process for making decisions about the type of portfolio, what to place in it, how to structure the interactions with it, and how to use it to evaluate student progress and report…

This guide focuses on the crucial role parents have regarding children and service. Section 1, developing a strategy for parent involvement, discusses parent support for service learning at school and parents' reinforcement of family participation in community service. Section 2, keeping parents informed, addresses three topics: information to…

This article explains how teachers can use tact and diplomacy to minimize potential problems with parent-teacher conferences. A checklist of tips to help teachers prepare for conferences and conduct them positively is given, along with ideas for keeping in touch with parents the rest of the year. (PP)

Presents observations and suggestions for persons attempting to help talented and gifted youth develop their full potential. Journal articles and books containing useful information for parents and teachers concerning gifted education are presented in Appendix A. Appendix B lists information sources, national organizations, and names and addresses…

Considers some specific ways in which educators may become involved in primary prevention of child abuse and neglect. Short-term activities such as awareness and referral, parent education, and prevention programs are suggested, as well as long-term activities such as family life education and curriculum specifically aimed at the problem. (CT)

The components of an effective school community relations program include a newsletter or newpaper, a demographic profile of the community, parent invitations to student-oriented activities, and a list of 10 strategies administrators can use. (JM)

The article examines the parent-teacher partnership, stressing the importance of both parent and teacher input. Five suggestions for involving parents of handicapped students in the Individualized Education Program meeting are offered and include asking parents before the meeting to think of short- and long-term goals for the child. (DB)

Describes how teachers can soothe difficult parents and eventually turn them into friendly partners by learning to understand the behavior and responding correctly (for example, listening carefully, focusing on the child, showing respect, voicing concern for the child's interests, considering the other person's viewpoint, and calling for backup if…

This article addresses the importance of home-school communication for students with attention deficit disorders and identifies specific areas for collaboration. These include problem assessment (differential diagnosis, determining eligibility); planning by educators, parents, and students; intervention (classroom and home management, reward…

Suggestions for helping students who are deaf or hard of hearing develop responsible behaviors focus on instruction in decision making and responsibility; developing a sense of purpose; goal setting; teaching skills for independent learning; and working with students' families. (DB)

This article discusses methods for more fully including parents in the development of a child's individualized education program (IEP). It summarizes what the law and research say about parental participation and decision making, identifies barriers to such participation, and offers suggestions to teachers to facilitate meaningful parental…