This publication contains six papers presented at the 1975 Texas Conference on Infancy. The papers present discussions of (1) intervention studies and programs for infants and families, (2) the interaction between infants and their caregivers, (3) mutual adaptation of mother and child, (4) discontinuous mothering, and (5) the emergence of…

This study examines the development of cooperative and negative behavior in a setting in which children of varied ages had regular opportunities for social encounters. Subjects were 16 children, half 16-19 months, half 28-32 months. Each child was observed 30 minutes per day for five days. Behaviors were recorded continuously. A narrative written…

Selected aspects of the educational process, from infancy through college, are examined in a series of interviews broadcast in the weekly National Public Radio series, "Options in Education." Child psychologist Burton White discusses his book, "The First Three Years of Life", which deals with the significance of early…

This document describes in considerable detail how to promote literacy through a home-reading program for young children. It is asserted that literacy is an ongoing process that benefits from early home involvement of parents, and that parents need to be brought into the process early. A home-reading program based on a lending library is essential…

Considers 3- to 6-year-olds' work cycle, looking first to the Montessori concept of normalization, manifest as increasing depth of concentration. Offers guidelines for a "protected lesson," designed to foster independence. Discusses interest and purpose as the basis for work, work "curves," control of error, presentation…

Drastic social problems challenge teachers looking to increase parental involvement in schools. Traditional strategies to involve parents, such as inviting parents to meetings and school events, do not promote genuine interaction between home and school. Instead, they separate parents and teachers. Two-way communication between home and school is…

This is a report of a study conducted in two diverse school settings: a secular junior high in northeast Texas and a private, Jewish day school (preschool through secondary) in a large southern metropolis. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the cultures of the two schools and the cultural values imbedded in their respective…

Education professionals have long known that family background is a stronger predictor of academic success than are school or teacher characteristics. The past 30 years have seen a series of drastic alterations in patterns of family living in the United States, and these changes mean that a substantial number of youngsters are being born or are…

The school system in the United States was established as, and remains, an expression of the white, middle-class values dominant in the society. The "melting pot" theory, with its emphasis on assimilation and the reduction of differences has been held by many for a long time. In the schools, however, this emphasis tends to cause feelings…

This paper defines issues concerned with the needs of children prenatally exposed to alcohol and drugs, delineates solutions, and identifies obstacles and barriers. The primary issue is seen to be identifying those individuals and services likely to contact these infants and young children and to provide such individuals with appropriate training…

The Center for Comprehensive Health Practice in the East Harlem area of New York City operates an early intervention program called the Infant School to promote the healthy development of high-risk children from birth to 2 years of age, including those of mothers who had been users of cocaine and/or crack. The Infant School curriculum is designed…

The delivery model of the Birth-through-Three program incorporates interlocking community-based centers with a regional agency (Little Tennessee Valley Educational Cooperative) under the administrative guidance of an advisory council. The program goal is to provide highly qualified professional services to the targeted children/families within…

Several studies were conducted to investigate the nature and development of creative social problem solving among older and younger children in Sweden and the United States. First, the behaviors of older children were investigated formally in a large-scale experimental study of California 10-year-olds. Results indicated that children receiving…

This review of research on Asian American performance on cognitive measures (especially in comparison with the performance of whites) covers studies of intelligence test performance, academic ability, aptitude and achievement, cognitive style, and career paths (as influenced by cognitive abilities) among young children, elementary and secondary…

Goals of a workshop bringing together 31 education and rural development specialists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, and India were to explore problems, synthesize experiences, and consider how to improve their programs of education for rural development. After giving individual country reports, participants…