This document contains news and information about school improvement in the United States. This biweekly newsletter is designed expressly for parents and families. This issue highlights a November 13, 2004 meeting between federal, New York State, and New York City education officials and parent advocacy groups to discuss how to better inform…

The guide presents six papers designed to help people become effective advocates for gifted and talented children. In "Effective Advocacy: Understanding the Process and Avoiding the Pitfalls," P. Mitchell considers such obstacles as using an adversarial rather than a persuasive approach and being impatient. She charts a procedure for more…

The history and structural evolution of VOICE for Hearing-Impaired Children is described. Located in Toronto, Ontario, VOICE is the largest parent-support group of its kind in North America. Through its chapters and associated parents groups, it has implemented social and educational policy advocacy and various service delivery models. (Author/VW)

This directory contains information about organizations in the United States that offer support, education, referral, advocacy, and other assistance to parents of children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. Organizations included are those identified as providing one or more of the following services: education and information;…

This article discusses recent developments in the status of local, statewide and national advocacy groups and networks of parents of children with behavioral, mental and emotional disorders. Several groups of each type are described, along with lessons learned through experiences of local groups. Contact numbers for listed groups are offered. (PB)

This article discusses cooperation between parents, family members, and professionals in advocacy efforts on behalf of students with emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. Tips for parent-advocates and experiences of statewide parent networks are offered, as well as lessons and potential pitfalls experienced by professionals. (PB)

This guide for parents of gifted children answers frequently asked questions, identifies resources, and text of relevant California laws and regulations. Preliminary material includes an introduction and a "Declaration of the Educational Rights of the Gifted Child" by Barbara Clark. Part 1 provides answers to parents' questions…

This 60-item bibliography, a compilation of abstracts of books, articles, handbooks, conference proceedings, and newsletters published from 1978 through 1989, addresses various aspects of groups, programs and other self-help resources for parents and other family members of people with disabilities. Literature in the first section provides…

The first four volumes of the "Coalition Quarterly" journal are compiled in this document designed as a management resource for consumer organizations (especially parent coalitions) that operate centers for families of handicapped persons. The introductory issue describes the intent of the publication, proposed topics for future issues,…

This resource guide provides information on organizations, publications, legislation, and other resources relating to autism. Sections include: (1) commonly used disability acronyms and definitions; (2) the educational definition of autism; (3) the medical definition of autism; (4) special education offices and special services of the Missouri…