The National PTA president introduces this issue of "PTA Today" which is devoted to the theme "Our Planet, Ourselves." The issue was the result of numerous requests by PTA members to provide them with useful environmental information. (SM)

Examines the effect of birth order on child development, noting that spacing of children, gender, family size, and family configuration all play a role in determining what effect birth order will have. The article looks at various traits of firstborn, middle, lastborn, and only children. (SM)

The mismatch between young children's learning style and a highly structured school program sometimes causes children to react negatively to school environments. This article contrasts the home learning environment with the school environment and identifies four things parents, teachers, and administrators can do to foster more positive attitudes…

The National PTA President writes about the PTA's desire for parents to cherish their children, noting the importance of the early years in developing emotionally and physically strong children. The article introduces the National PTA book, "Growing Up Confident," which presents practical ideas on good parenting. (SM)

The technological changes that are constantly occurring may indicate a need for a new definition of intelligence. Changes in the workplace require a higher level of thinking skills. Suggestions for creating a learning environment that encourages analysis, synthesis, and evaluation are offered. (DF)

Presents suggestions for helping stepfamilies cope with problems they may encounter: (1) helping the children move from loss to reconnection; (2) being patient with everyone in the new family; (3) cultivating communication and negotiation; and (4) sensitizing school personnel and society. (SM)

Parents can help their children prepare for the future by providing them with a literate home environment. The article suggests that parents model literacy at home, make time for reading and writing, create a literate environment, strengthen bonds while developing skills, and find meaning in reading and writing. (SM)

Examines important issues for parents to consider when dealing with children of divorce and discusses several problem points to avoid, including loyalty conflicts, good parent/evil parent, family secrets, and feeling cheated. Several suggestions for helping children cope are offered. (SM)

Young girls, Blacks, and Hispanics have few role models in the scientific and engineering communities, so parents are crucial. National reform is underway in mathematics and science education, and parents can participate through PTAs and by working with teachers. A list of resources is included. (SM)

This article alerts parents to the danger of asbestos exposure in schools and urges parent teacher associations to demand corrective action. It explains: (1) how to identify asbestos; (2) how to remove it; and (3) how to recover costs from the industry. A recently enacted rule by the Environmental Protection Agency is stated. (PP)

Examines positive and negative aspects of American public education and looks at sources of confusion. Positive points include higher graduation rates, higher test scores, math and science accomplishment, and college quality. Negative points include poverty's effect on academic achievement and lack of sensitivity to student diversity. (SM)

This article presents guidelines for parents to ease the child's transition to a new school. Suggestions are given for preparing the child for the move, preparing the school for the change, and facilitating adjustment to new environments. (SM)

The article describes children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), noting it can contribute to school underachievement, learning disabilities, difficulties in social adjustment, and emotional disorders. It examines diagnosis, neurobehavioral factors, and outcome and discusses coping via behavior modification at home, classroom…