This inservice program for principals was designed to assist the development and maintenance of effective Parent Advisory Councils (PACs), as mandated by Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The manual first introduces the concept of the principal as a facilitator, outlining the principal's role and responsibilities within a PAC.…

Considers the relationship between parents and the public schools and objectively enumerates parents' legal and social rights and responsibilities, concluding that parents have the opportunity to be significant change agents in the lives of children and schools. (NKA)

This article suggests ways that parent-teacher associations can participate in a new drug and alcohol project launched by the national organization. A quiz to increase awareness of drug abuse is included, along with a list of educational materials and sources of further information. (PP)

This article, based on the experiences of the Ainsworth (Oregon) Parent Teacher Association, offers a step-by-step guide for parents who wish to bring computers into their children's schools. Ways to build public and school support, do necessary planning and research, evaluate available equipment, and implement the program are suggested. (PP)

This self-help manual contains advice for parents who want to improve the schools their children attend by influencing school planning, policy, and administrative practices. The first step in improving schools is deciding whether a new group is necessary. If it is, parents must connect with other parents and then hold a first meeting at which…

To promote maximum Title I services to Navajo students attending the Navajo Area Bureau of Indian Affairs Schools, by-laws for the establishment and operation of a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) have been prepared. Council objectives are to develop good liaison and communication between students' parents and the local school administration; promote…

In order to help parents and community members participate more effectively and better understand the importance of their involvement in the planning and administration of migrant education programs in Oregon, the English-Spanish booklet suggests general procedures for organizing, leading, and training Parent Advisory Committees (PACs), required…

Parents (n=33) of children with disabilities, who were leaders in parent organizations, were questioned about their experiences in being mentored and in mentoring others. Seven themes are identified relative to effective mentoring of parents of children with disabilities. Specific mentoring activities are suggested and barriers to mentoring are…

Suggestions are offered for fostering parental involvement in the education of gifted minority students and two programs encouraging parental involvement of gifted students with limited English proficiency in New York City and a program in Hartford (Connecticut) for Spanish-speaking students are briefly described. A list of national and state…

Intended for parent and other advocacy groups interested in studying the quality of local public special education programs from a consumer perspective, the packet of information (in looseleaf format) provides an organized way of collecting information, reviewing it, and drawing conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of the local program.…

Children benefit academically when parents and educators work together. For this reason, parents' involvement in their children's education is a priority of the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001." But a strong connection between parents and educators does not come about automatically. Both parties may need to learn new roles and skills…

This bulletin focuses on family participation in mental health policymaking and highlights state efforts to increase family involvement. Articles include: (1) "Promoting Family Member Involvement in Children's Mental Health Policy Making Bodies," which describes how different states are promoting family member involvement in various statutory and…

Materials have been assembled in these appendices to provide practical help to Community Advisory Committees (groups composed of parents, handicapped pupils or adults, professionals, and interested citizens). Materials are grouped under the following headings: (1) Legislative Fact Sheets, (2) Parent Handbooks and Pamphlets, (3) Newsletters, (4)…

Parent involvement efforts distinguish the Holyoke Public Schools of Holyoke, Massachusetts. No other school system in the region offers as many varied opportunities for parents to have an impact on their children's school experience. The Parent Involvement Policy was developed with the help of a 15-member task force of parents in the summer of…

The Special Education Parents Alliance created an employment project seeking jobs in the business community for special education graduates and other persons with disabilities. The project serves learning disabled, educable mentally handicapped, trainable mentally handicapped, and physically disabled persons in DuPage County and portions of west…