When educators seek ways to connect with families and communities, they typically begin by looking outward. They attend to the barriers, challenges, and conditions that exist out there--families living in poverty, differing levels of parental education, and discrepant access to resources. Pushor proposes that educators begin instead by looking…

In this article, the author relates that similar to the time he bought his new computer, he had the opportunity to experience poor customer service when he and his wife signed their child up for a preschool program. They learned that the staff at the preschool didn't want parents looking over their shoulders and questioning their techniques. He…

Collaborations and partnerships among schools and community members have been described as a way to provide better educational opportunities for students. Such school-community partnerships have been described as relationships that involve exchange and engagement with mutually defined goals benefiting all participants. However, the process of…

This article presents the author's talk, entitled "Engaging with Parents," which was delivered as the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Distinguished Lecture at the NASP 2010 Annual Convention on March 4, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. At the time of this talk, the author believes education and psychology are involved in three…

Over the past 15 years, positive behavior support (PBS) gained rapid momentum as it moved from research on the function of challenging behaviors in individuals situated in restrictive settings, to understanding the function of challenging behavior of individuals in natural settings, to initial legislation of positive behavior interventions and…

Deals with incorporating community skills into the field of education using a non-formal educational framework and active participation by young people and families. (NH)

Describes why promoting national literacy is the author's primary project as First Lady. (MM)

Discusses concerns that American education is faced with many important challenges such as literacy, safety, discipline, and standards. Points out that family involvement is a critical link to student performance. Introduces the Read*Write*Now! and the America Goes Back to School programs which promote intergenerational and community…

Issues related to family assessment as part of early intervention programs with handicapped children are reviewed and the need for a family needs assessment as a first step in developing family focused interventions is stressed. Suggestions for the design, selection, and use of a needs assessment are made. (Author/DB)

Describes one family's use of a journal to record family history and daily observations. Points out that family journals increase family unity and help teach children the value of writing. (ARH)

Describes the theory and practice of family-centered child psychology, a philosophy of treatment that views the child in the context of family and community and attempts to engage the family in the therapeutic process. Graduate-level training and research issues in this model are discussed. (DM)

Responds to William Sears's article: "Attachment Parenting: A Style That Works" (PS 523 690). Claims that there are alternatives to "attachment parenting" based on the Montessori philosophy, pointing out that Sears's suggestion of sleeping with the baby and carrying the baby in a sling may easily become obstacles in the path of…

Authors Heath and McLaughlin respond to the previous critique by Dorothy Rich pointing out that any disagreement between Rich and themselves has more to do with interpretation than intent. (MD)

Communities across the country are having to deal with teenage suicide--a tragedy because it is preventable in many situations. Characteristics of a suicidal person are discussed. Recommendations for intervening with students after the suicide death of a peer in order to help prevent subsequent suicide deaths are made. (RM)

Suggests that there is a pressing need to find ways of developing more services which aim to strengthen and complement families. To do this effectively, these services must be developed according to the families' needs and values. (MP)