Parents should keep in mind a number of things when preparing for teacher-student conferences. First, parent-teacher conferences are important to the child's success at school. Parent-teacher conferences give parents the opportunity to deal with any misunderstandings and discuss things that relate to their child's progress in school. It is an…

This paper critiques and comments on symposium presentations focused on issues related to parent involvement in educational activities and the schools. Although bureaucratic agencies have become important influences on education, recognition is growing that the family has a primary role in training and educating children. The involvement of…

Parent participation in elementary school classrooms provides teachers with a valuable and varied resource, but also requires deeper teacher involvement in students' private lives and skill in managing time. The growth of a parent participation program in Salt Lake City, Utah, proves such programs can succeed. (PGD)

Argues that a parent-teacher partnership can provide children with the most positive educational experience possible. Lists ways teachers can communicate with parents, including welcome notes, parent seminars, school newsletters, curriculum calendars, telephone contact, and home visits. (DMM)

The author, the parent of a mentally retarded child, shares her thoughts on the issue of parent participation in the handicapped child's education. (SB)

Argues that reading is a useful tool in successful living as well as a pleasure in itself and discusses the importance of making books accessible to children and teaching them how to select appropriate reading materials. (CHC)

This article, reprinted from "PTA Magazine," January 1978, suggests ways that parents can help teachers by monitoring homework, by working cooperatively to solve problems, and by being supportive of the teacher and the school. (SJL)

Outlines four areas in which parents, teachers, and communities can work together to improve teacher performance: teacher recruitment, the quality of principals, assistance to classroom teachers, and a shift to a philosophy of shared responsibility for education. (Author/IRT)

Arguments in favor of increased parental involvement, particularly in nursery education, are presented. Opposition to participation from parents and teachers is discussed and specific areas in which cooperation might be possible are suggested along with different levels of participation. (JMF)

Discusses the most satisfying part of teaching writing--helping students discover what they have to say and showing them how to say it. Notes that the basic skills of writing (audience awareness, organizing thoughts, and revising) are bigger than the rules of grammar and spelling and do not change from grade to grade. (RS)

Outlines appropriate content for meetings between parents and teachers of young children. Argues that effective meetings foster parent education, communication and ongoing parent support. Identifies objectives for the initial meeting during the application and registration process, for parent education meetings, and for parent conferences.…

Parents and teachers need to work together to help children with special needs develop meaningful friendships. Emphasis is on the need for parents and teachers to build structures likely to facilitate the development of friendships. (DB)

Provides a rationale for use of the term "developmentalist" to refer to practitioners, teachers, and scholars. Defines being a "developmentalist" and suggests that this concept, which integrates educators' knowledge bases about preschool, child care, and early childhood education, contributes to a comprehensive view of child…

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)

Discusses three major characteristics that are important for child care professionals: experience, knowledge, and special personal qualities. Among the special personal qualities discussed are those of anticipating and planning, protecting, listening, comforting, and caring for the whole family. (BB)