The study was grounded on theoretical propositions and empirical research concerning school effectiveness, classroom effectiveness, school improvement and school renewal. In particular, improving student learning outcomes through improving and renewing schools is dependent on changing classroom cultures of learning and teaching. A model of…

A study traced the experiences of Australian working families as their children started formal schooling. Each family faced the prospect of moving their child or children from the intimate environment of a child care center that operated from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to a large elementary school with a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. school day. The study focused on:…

Mobile preschool units were developed in New Zealand in the 1970s in response to concerns about adequate provision of early childhood education in isolated areas. There are currently nine such units operating under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education. Each unit is comprised of two kindergarten teachers who travel with equipment to…

This study analyzed the kinds of involvement with schools parents want and what keeps parents from being involved. An extended introduction discusses the nature of parent involvement programs, barriers to their implementation, and the role of parents and teachers in the programs. A survey concerning parent involvement was given to parents of 305…

This paper demonstrates the use of teacher-made and parent-made instructional games to practice basic skills, as an alternative to traditional homework assignments. The game formats provide mainstreamed mildly handicapped students with the additional practice necessary to achieve mastery, in an environment that is more motivating and allows for…

Data from a survey of 1269 parents (of whom 24 percent were single parents) were used to study whether single and married parents differ in their interactions with elementary schools and teachers. Results indicate that initial differences between single and married parents' perceptions of teachers and teachers' evaluations of single and married…

The two main sections of this report describe the general model for the Volunteer Parental Involvement Program and provide the program documentation. The model is accompanied by materials developed for its implementation in in schools. These materials comprise a manual that schools are employing in developing their own Parental Assistance…

THIS REPORT SUMMARIZES SOME OF THE COUNSELING PRACTICES EMPLOYED IN VARIOUS DEMONSTRATION CENTERS. STUDENTS WERE ASSISTED THROUGH INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING. IN ONE CENTER, SUCCESSFUL TEST INTERPRETATION INTERVIEWS RESULTED FROM A COMPARISON OF STUDENTS' ESTIMATED TEST RESULTS AND ACTUAL TEST RESULTS. STUDENTS LEARNED OF OCCUPATIONS THROUGH…

This information brief presents views on quality education from two individuals with disabilities and a parent of a student with a disability. Amanda Dahloff, Kelly Socha, and Amy Pleet, all experienced in the transition process, offer diverse views on how educational systems can best serve students with disabilities. Key recommendations include:…

An experiment which assessed the effects of parental involvement in the teaching of reading showed highly significant gains by children (aged 6 to 9) who received extra practice at home in comparison with control groups but no comparable improvement by children who received extra help at school. (Author/MJL)

Explores problems occurring in the communication between child care providers and parents, through the eyes of a child care educator who is also a parent. Describes how her opinion changed as a result of experiencing the frustration of working parents, and provides ideas on how to achieve a better communication and understanding among parents and…

Examines differences in home environments of higher and lower achieving Puerto Rican fifth- and sixth-graders in urban Pennsylvania. Investigates parents' aspirations, concern for use of language, parental reinforcement, knowledge of child's educational progress, and value orientations. Links home environment to achievement. Discusses implications…

Provides examples of situations in which day-care teachers must balance the needs of students, parents, staff, and supervisors, pointing out how a person's perspective can shape his or her view of a situation. Notes that teachers need to examine situations from the point of view of parents, students, and supervisors to do their job effectively.…

Analyzes data about (Hong Kong) parents' and school personnel's perceptions on parental participation in varied school activities. Most school staff demonstrated unwelcome attitudes toward parent involvement; parents disliked being school managers. Both groups favored separate school-management responsibilities. A school-based management strategy…

Parents' nostalgia and waning confidence in teachers' competence are primary obstacles to improving schools. Teaching and public education are at a crossroads. One road involves teachers and parent partners in a broad social movement that ultimately protects and redefines teacher professionalism. The other leads to deprofessionalization of…