Introduces the Willard Model School in Norfolk, Virginia. Describes the process of creating a new staff and the teaching philosophy of the staff members. Provides information on the school's Parent Resource Center and Male Mentor Program. Introduces the concept of a basic school. (MOK)

This commentary discusses the successful partnership between the parents and the school in addressing the challenging behaviors of a 9-year-old boy with severe disabilities. Stages of the successful partnership and characteristics of behavior support plans that have good contextual fit are described. (Author/CR)

The author articulates key stressors in the lives of families who are homeless. These stresses often combine with barriers such as lack of job opportunities and/or insensitive professionals. Strategies for helping homeless families overcome these barriers and related issues are presented.

This guidebook presents ideas about how families and case managers can use case management to increase the integration of people with developmental disabilities into their communities, and how public officials and advocates can promote the trend toward community integration. The guide advocates implementation of the integration philosophy, which…

This guide, addressed to policymakers, describes specific programs to support the educational role of the family. Based on demonstrated research, it lays out low-cost methods to enhance the impact of schooling by involving the family. Following an executive summary, the volume presents six main sections, with recommendations for addressing the…

Because family involvement is a potentially powerful element of effective literacy instruction, the International Reading Association (IRA) believes parents, family and community members, teachers, school administrators, researchers, and policymakers must be aware of its importance and must receive information and training that allows them to…

Families care for their elderly even when the burden is enormous, suffer guilt when institutionalization becomes necessary, and maintain contact after institutionalization. Policies must be developed to reduce premature institutionalization, help families cope with the process when it becomes necessary, and provide institutional care to those…

Notes that caregivers need to create an atmosphere that reflects their experiences with children and knowledge of child development. A productive partnership with families improves the quality of care through shared commitment and positive outcomes. Suggests ways caregivers can develop a productive partnership with families, including newsletters,…

Discusses "partnerships" in child protection as they relate to the families of children subject to these services. Suggests that parents are ignored or deliberately excluded from the process, leading to "learned helplessness." Claims that good intentions of professionals are necessary but insufficient for partnership, which can…

This article discusses four major implications of the proposed reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: (1) higher expectations for students with disabilities; (2) more family involvement in children's progress; (3) noncategorical approach to eligibility; and (4) simplified eligibility requirements. (DB)

Young people's experiences of transitions are moving away from traditional normative expectations, because the patterning of youth transitions is becoming increasingly pluralized. From aggregate European statistics, descriptions of changes in patterns in educational training, family separation, partnership building, and entry into the labor market…

Illustrates with a hypothetical adolescent with a disability the use of the McGill Action Planning System for initial and follow-up transition planning. Shows how the system promotes self-advocacy for students and families and provides information useful in the Individualized Education Plan. (SK)

This article applies four theoretical perspectives to the development of Group Action Planning, which supports infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in inclusive environments. Practical suggestions for implementing Group Action Planning are offered, as is a longitudinal vignette of its application with one individual with…

Describes programs such as "Read Together" and the "Gift Book Program" that were developed by "Beginning with Books," a prevention-oriented literacy agency affiliated with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Discusses projects that promote literacy in home and community. (MG)

Discusses how caring for the parents and families of students is a significant component of overall campus relations. Proposes that presidents must demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to orientation programs, related ongoing initiatives, and future ideas if the campus is to be transformed in a manner that is collaborative and…