Given that independent schools have started to face competition from charter schools, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) commissioned a study with current and prospective charter school parents to determine their perceptions of charter vs. independent schools, assess the relative impact of the variables that affect their school…

This paper presents findings from a longitudinal qualitative study of Illinois foster parents that revealed a connection between how they view their financial situation and the ways in which they understand and carry out their roles as foster parents. The study illuminates the child welfare and family system dynamics that underlie the experiences…

Explores whether protecting a relative advantage explains the persistence of ability grouping. Examines 435 parents' beliefs about ability grouping from three perspectives--social pressures, teacher management, and student effects. Examines income and education variables. Parents who are relatively advantaged, with higher incomes and educational…

This conference paper discusses the highlights of a 3-year evaluation of an Illinois program designed to provide community-based supports and services for youth with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Five sites were funded and information was collected on 215 youth and their families. All sites received training and technical assistance on…