This report examines the performance of the Worcester Public Schools, Massachusetts, highlighting the areas in which Worcester is succeeding and where it needs improvement. Indicators presented in the report were developed in collaboration with representatives of a wide variety of organizations, as well as public officials. The report provides…

Describes a model home literacy program at the Indiana School for the Deaf. Reviews six case studies of young deaf children in order to explore and describe sign language behaviors which help deaf children grasp reading skills. Claims that sign language and finger spelling can be closely related to early reading and writing at home. (MOK)

Describes a person-centered planning approach for involving students with disabilities and their families in the transition planning process. Components of person-centered planning are discussed, including development of a personal profile, identification of future lifestyle preferences, action steps and responsible parties, and necessary changes…

This discussion of issues in the mentoring of African-American youth defines mentoring, identifies elements of successful mentoring, stresses the importance of recognizing existing family and community assets, and urges parental involvement and a program philosophy which affirms the value of resiliency in children surviving in difficult…

Considers current and emerging efforts in early childhood education to engage fathers. Focuses on the relationship between the fields of father involvement and early childhood education. Describes three areas of father involvement: paternal caregiving, cooperative parenting with early childhood programs, and contributing to academic achievement…

Describes an interview format for use in engaging families of young people with disabilities in dialogue regarding vocational programming needs. The interview addresses parental expectations, family experiences and preferences, the student's personal needs, family support, transportation options, and wages and benefits. Ways to integrate results…

Describes the Elma School District (Washington) birth-to-kindergarten program. One-fourth of the 100 students in the program are developmentally delayed. Family-focus elements include parent volunteers, home visits, class visitations, parenting information dissemination, parent-teacher conferences, referral to social services, and intervention.…

Outlines a major literacy initiative for urban children taking place in the Dallas, Texas Public Schools. Describes several different programs at the school district level aimed at family and community outreach, in order to create a literacy-education support system with primary care givers in the homes. (SR)

Reviews early education practices that respect families' effects on child development, acknowledges families as decision makers, and supports families' role in educating and caring for children. Discusses three principles for family-centered practice and describes continuing challenges and opportunities suggested in the research findings. Charts…

Explores benefits derived from the "Gardendale Family" (a vertically aligned team of K-6 classrooms in which students remain throughout their elementary school careers). Focuses on ways in which the Gardendale Family has built a strong school-based community within which family/parent involvement is crucial. (SR)

One way to improve technology training for teachers is to use multimedia. This article defines multimedia, discusses the benefits and measurable outcomes of interactive multimedia training, and presents a case study of the DeKalb County (Atlanta, GA) School System's teacher training project and family technology resource centers, resulting in a…

A kindergarten rodeo organized by teachers in Hector, Arkansas, rekindled family and community interest in the school and helped develop a sense of connectedness and inclusiveness toward Hispanic families new to this previously all-White, Protestant community. Contains 14 references. (TD)

Discusses a family-centered assessment and intervention approach that empowers and enables families in the selection and use of assistive technology by young children with disabilities. It considers key characteristics of parent/professional partnerships; child, family, technology, and service-system domains; and the use of culturally sensitive…

Students who succeeded in school are almost always supported by their families, while other students struggle without support from home. For a school to develop a partnership program involving all parents in ways that increase student success requires new ways of thinking about family and community involvement. All schools need a purposeful,…

Premature autonomy describes a developmental dynamic where parents of high-risk adolescents reduce their involvement and guidance when confronted with challenges of problem behaviour and the influence of deviant friendships. This dynamic was tested on the sample of Oregon Youth Study boys (N=206), whose family management practices and friendships…