The parent of a handicapped child reviews the development of parent groups and parent advocacy internationally. Among the programs described are weekend education courses for parents in Norway, deinstitutionalization efforts in England, mass media approaches in France, and the Extend-a-Family program in Canada in which a handicapped child is…

The gifted education movement in California is traced, and the efforts of the California Association for Gifted (a parent group) to save the California gifted program are reviewed. It is pointed out that the strongest component of California's successes in developing gifted/talented education legislation has been parent support. (SW)

Discusses political action by and on behalf of parents. Suggests ways that existing interest group theory can further our understanding of how parents' interest is or is not represented in educational policy making. (Author/GC)

Describes an urban La Leche League breastfeeding support group in western New York. The group demonstrates how some mothers are adapting to the effects of rapid social change, particularly on the mother-infant bond. Members are transmitting a style of natural mothering based on complete breastfeeding by relying on intragenerational modeling. (KH)

Extensively surveys the literature to illustrate the concept of parent education from the 1830s to the 1980s. Describes historical "modes," or views, of childrearing and the role of the private sector and the federal government in parent education programs. Implications for early childhood education are pointed out. (AS)

This article recounts the historical discrimination against children with mental retardation and the extraordinary efforts made by parents of children with disabilities to speak out against the tide that dehumanized their children. The growth of national, state, and local Arcs and parent advocacy efforts are discussed. (Contains 5 references.) (CR)

In spite of strong political and pedagogical reasons for the study of parental attitudes towards language and bilingual education, recent empirical studies have not adequately been examined by policymakers. Yet today, new theories on second language learning have provided a further impetus for attention to parental attitudes. In 1974, Rhodes…

The author reviews research pertaining to parent behavior in relation to child development, repercussions of disability on family life, and techniques for helping parents of disabled children. Section 1 considers theoretical bases of parenting and normal development; biological, psychological, and social factors in the genesis of handicaps; parent…

Examines the evolution in England, France, and the United States of organizations concerned with the wishes of parents in regard to secondary schooling. Concludes that despite significantly different educational systems there is similarity regarding parent involvement: the wishes of the vast majority of parents remain unexpressed, unsolicited, or…

This article discusses recent developments in the status of local, statewide and national advocacy groups and networks of parents of children with behavioral, mental and emotional disorders. Several groups of each type are described, along with lessons learned through experiences of local groups. Contact numbers for listed groups are offered. (PB)

The history of educational services for mentally retarded persons in Denmark is traced, along with the evolution of attitudes toward the population from a protectionist philosophy which promoted segregation to current thinking about normalization. The role of the national parents' association in influencing service review and reform is stressed.…

This article discusses cooperation between parents, family members, and professionals in advocacy efforts on behalf of students with emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. Tips for parent-advocates and experiences of statewide parent networks are offered, as well as lessons and potential pitfalls experienced by professionals. (PB)

Parents of college students are often an untapped resource. Recommends developing a comprehensive, intentional plan to work with these constituents in university career centers. For University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, parents have proven to be strong allies in promoting career planning and financially supporting the many needs of the…

Parents of disabled children throughout the country are organizing to find appropriate employment opportunities for their children by: writing proposals and obtaining funding for employment programs; improving in- school vocational programs for special needs students; advocating earlier vocational education; preparing work settings for supported…

Although many parents remain unfamiliar with the testing programs offered in their children's schools, recent surveys show that parent groups are becoming increasingly interested in the critical issues surrounding testing. Parents should assume responsiblity for monitoring the progress of their children and learn the facts about standardized…