This brief address was given by a Australian dairy farmer, who served as a parent representative on a committee of teachers at a local school. The speaker draws his observations from his experience "bridging the gap" between teachers' understanding of school operations and the views of rural parents. Rural values, or "peasant…

This document consists of two critical papers on schooling in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), followed by reports on specific subject areas. The first paper, "If Wishes Were Horses: The Parent Role in a Participative System of Schooling," by C. Blakers, is a comprehensive examination of concepts, relationships, and issues…

By discussing the commonalities of community and multicultural education; this monograph intends to provide a rational base for and encourage efforts toward coordination, cooperation, and integration of these two concepts. Part 1 addresses the conceptual structure of community education and multicultural education. Questions are listed that focus…

Noting that the task of increasing literacy around the world is far too massive for the schools alone to undertake, this book is intended as part of an effort to increase the role of parents and families in promoting the reading development of children. The six articles in the book discuss the following topics: (1) family contributions to reading…

A preschool program involving parents in such activities as classroom observation, teaching, and group discussions with other parents is described in this paper. The program's goals are to provide healthy growth and development opportunities for children and to strengthen parenting skills. Parents are taught about development and behavior patterns…

This information brief presents views on quality education from two individuals with disabilities and a parent of a student with a disability. Amanda Dahloff, Kelly Socha, and Amy Pleet, all experienced in the transition process, offer diverse views on how educational systems can best serve students with disabilities. Key recommendations include:…

Explores problems occurring in the communication between child care providers and parents, through the eyes of a child care educator who is also a parent. Describes how her opinion changed as a result of experiencing the frustration of working parents, and provides ideas on how to achieve a better communication and understanding among parents and…

Discusses the narrative report, which is an alternative to the traditional report card for reporting children's development and progress to parents. Examples of entries in a narrative report are included. (BB)

Written by the mother of a child with autism, this article discusses the journey from a diagnosis of autism at age 3 through the many therapies to upper grade school, where the child is doing so well that they have considered dropping the diagnosis. The miracles and hard work are discussed. (CR)

This paper examines the changing nature of societal perspectives and the social contexts of educational partnerships or collaborations through a semantic analysis of the literature on educational cooperation and related educational themes and practices. In addition, a continuum of leitmotives on educational partnerships drawn from historic and…

Examines cultural conditions necessary for children's development in day care settings, using Bronfenbrenner's Ecology of Human Development. Considers the parental role in this context; also the relationship between educators and parents, with a view to creating culturally appropriate conditions for the developing child. Discusses policies and…

Emphasizes the value of broadening student teachers' understanding of family and community involvement in their students' education, reviewing recommendations for including family involvement in undergraduate teacher education, suggesting family and community involvement themes for foundation courses, and arguing the value of community-based…

Contends that educators and caregivers are still constrained in relationships with parents, respond with resentment and stonewalling when parents express uneasiness about pedagogical practices, and too frequently treat parents and children from other cultures differently. Suggests that true dialog may transform practitioners as educators, children…

Discusses the importance of educators' partnerships with colleagues, including the role of a shared sense of mission in the work environment. Considers the importance of providing highest quality services for children and their families and a healthy and supportive work environment for adults. Suggests that practitioners and parents need to…

Preschool teachers, child care workers, and parents need to work together to identify preschool children with mild handicaps through evaluation processes that include screening, planning of evaluation, and interpretation and communication of evaluation results. Proposes a best practice evaluation model developed by Broward County School District,…