This article summarizes findings of the National Assessment of Educational Progress which surveyed the writing skills of 95,000 students aged 9, 13, and 17 in 1974, 1979, and 1984. (MT)

Today's school nurses have significant responsibilities. Despite research proving their importance, very few schools have certified school nurses, relying instead on school personnel. A wish list for school nurses might include sufficient numbers and funding, school-based health centers, and confidential records. Parents can help ensure students'…

The National Center for Science Teaching and Learning (NCSTL) located at The Ohio State University conducts research on factors that while influencing the teaching and learning of science are generally outside teacher control. This NCSTL digest deals with the professional status and responsibility of science teachers in schools. While giving…

Environmental or second-hand smoke can have serious effects on children. Many smokers are more likely to consider quitting if they know they are causing harm to their children and families. Physicians must take the time to point out the dangers of passive smoking to parents who smoke. (SM)

The inability of limited English proficient (LEP) children to profit from instruction in English can lead to nonacademic courses, failure, and dropping out. The two basic types of educational programs, bilingual programs and English language programs, are described. (MT)

While recognition of the need to involve parents in the life of the school grows in public policy, anxiety continues at the intervention of 'the angry parent'. This paper seeks to develop understanding of this communicative action and apply it to a study of parental voice in schools that identified a number of expressions of 'storming'. The paper…

Improvements in the public schools of Tulsa, Oklahoma, are reported in this document. Part 1, an introductory statement by the Oklahoma Superintendent of Schools, reviews successes in implementing a management-team approach to decentralizing decision making and improving the effectiveness of schools. Part 2 describes programs and policies that…

One-quarter of the 3 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) each year occur in teenagers. Teens are at high risk because of biological, age, and behavioral factors. Education is the best weapon against STDs. As their children's first sex educators, parents must make every effort to promote STD education at home and school. (SM)

This report answers questions commonly asked about bilingual education in the United States, by persons who may be puzzled and wish to have more information. The questions addressed are: (1) What exactly is bilingual education and why is it so important to Hispanics? (2) Other immigrant groups of the past did not need bilingual education. Why is…

Communication between parents and teachers is complicated, with attitudes often becoming barriers to effective communication. Factors that affect parent-teacher relationships include childhood memories, professionalization, and bureaucratization. Suggestions for parents to improve communications with teachers include examining their own feelings…

Reform activities initiated by states in response to the National Commission on Excellence in Education's report tend to fall into five categories; teacher preparation and professional development, teacher certification, curriculum, instruction, and financing. The state initiatives are reviewed in this article. (MT)

This book focuses on the prevention of drug and alcohol use by children. It is intended for use by parents, teachers, students, religious and community leaders, and others interested in drug prevention. The book, which begins with a letter by Nancy Reagan and an introduction by Secretary of Education, William J. Bennett, stresses the seriousness…

Three-fourths of American schools are in substandard condition. Health effects associated with indoor air/environmental quality are a major concern. Sick building syndrome, which causes illness in occupants, generally results from particulates, volatile organic compounds, biologicals, or radio-nucleotides. The article recommends how to deal with…

Children's eating habits and food attitudes develop early and last a lifetime. Nutrition is important in child development and ability to learn. In the prenatal years, nutrition is one of many factors affecting pregnancy outcome. In the preschool and school years, undernutrition causes stunting, lethargy, and other symptoms. (SM)

Multiracial families have become extremely common in recent years. Many multiracial children face discrimination from all races, leaving them feeling like outsiders everywhere. Parents are crucial in helping multiracial children develop strong self- esteem. There is controversy over new U.S. Census categories that allow people to select a…