This tongue-in-cheek article gives examples of ways in which educators give lip service to such principles as recognizing the rights of parents and valuing parent contributions but actually still try to avoid significant parent impact on their own work with students. (DB)

Outlines an entertaining one-hour teacher-parent talk designed to communicate a current perspective on reading and provide suggestions for helping young readers at home. (ARH)

A strong home-school connection is crucial for students' success, and honest, open dialog during parent-teacher conferences can play an important role in strengthening this connection. This article presents research findings on parent-teacher relationships and practical suggestions for improving parent-teacher conferences. (EV)

Ethnographic data were used to address the challenge of parent-professional interaction in the cross-cultural context of 12 Spanish-speaking Puerto Rican American families from low income backgrounds with learning-disabled or mildly mentally retarded children in special education. Illustrations from parent conferences show how parent participation…

"Harvard Education Letter" is published bimonthly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This issue of "Harvard Education Letter" contains the following articles: (1) Meeting of the Minds: The Parent-Teacher Conference Is the Cornerstone of School-Home Relations. How Can It Work for All Families? (Laura Pappano); (2) In Search of That "Third…

This report presents the findings of a study conducted for the U.S. Department of Education that analyzed 17 family education programs for disadvantaged families. In-depth studies were conducted on-site for 7 programs; an additional 10 programs were studied via telephone interviews. An "Executive Summary" of eleven pages (also separately…

Teachers of minority handicapped children can enhance their relationship with parents by understanding that parents cannot be forced to participate and that the teacher cannot expect to have the same authority with parents as with children. It is important for teachers to begin parent training programs with high success activities, focus on…

Describes a group approach with parents, teachers, and students, which worked in helping students who have problems in school. (Author/MLF)

Instead of completely separating children from the parents who caused their original problems, parental-child interaction and parental help are encouraged at this residential treatment center. (MK)

Notes that fathers are becoming more involved in the education of their children. Offers suggestions for conducting a successful conference with fathers. (FL)

Suggests six activities teachers should undertake in order to have successful conferences with parents concerning their child's reading performance. Offers ideas that teachers can share with parents who want to help children improve reading. (FL)

Letting parents know what goes on in the classroom is more than good public relations. It can work to your teaching advantage. Here are five ways to make the link with home and school stronger. (Editor)

School administrators are often involved in change processes that include gathering input from various stakeholders in their organizations to help in decision making. They usually include other administrators, teachers, board members, and sometimes individuals from the business sector. One group that is often excluded, and is perhaps one of their…

Visits, calls, letters, and "Saturday school" help parent and teacher to talk, work, and learn together. (Editor)

Making contact with parents before their children become involved with discipline problems can serve to prevent and diffuse classroom misbehavior. Focusing an open house on the theme of classroom discipline is suggested. (JMF)