Suggestions for helping teachers answer questions parents may ask on discipline, reading, and family situations are offered in this article. Teachers and parents can work together to solve problems dealing with their children and students. (DF)

This document suggests some guidelines for conducting an effective parent-teacher conference. Many schools now host "arena type" conferences, in which the teachers assemble in the gymnasium and parents seek them out. This type of setting offers no privacy and places pressure on parents and teachers to keep discussions short. Ideally, teachers and…

The author surveyed a cross-section of parents about their preferences among thirty forms of home-school contact. First preference was for an evening open house with an interview with the class teacher. The total preference rankings are discussed in comparison to Plowden Report recommendations and actual school practices. (SJL)

Proposes that the best reading advice to give parents is this: parents should read to their children. Explains the reason why this is the best advice, and offers tips for successful read-alouds. (MG)

Discusses student-led parent-teacher conference model and demonstrates how this model can successfully meet the needs of teachers, students and parents. Discusses model's phases of preparation, implementation and evaluation. Provides a step-by-step guideline, along with a case study. (BH)

This article discusses practical strategies to assist parents in becoming a more inclusive part of the Individualized Education Program process. Characteristics of effective teams are provided, and strategies are listed for providing social support, increasing distinctiveness, ensuring fairness, providing a sense of similarity, and for enhancing…

This paper presents findings of a study that investigated elementary school principals' perceptions of parent-involvement practices in their schools. A survey was mailed to 75 principals of high-achieving elementary schools and to 75 principals of low-achieving elementary schools. The perceptions of 39 principals of high-achieving schools were…

Teachers can follow several guidelines for conducting productive parent-teacher conferences. These include: (1) respecting the parents; (2) being patient; (3) avoiding the use of jargon; (4) discussing the importance of homework and independent reading; (5) establishing a friendly atmosphere; (6) discussing reading and television viewing habits;…

This paper describes the nature of "community," provides several examples of what such a community looks like in elementary schools, builds a case for the importance of family-school relationships in the building of community, and describes the family conference as one approach for building a community of learners. Data are based on 2 years of…

During five meetings conducted in different states by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) to gain insight into the status of 55 parent involvement programs from their organizers and implementors, parental involvement in the secondary education level repeatedly emerged as a shared concern. Following the meetings SEDL…

This pamphlet is designed to help teachers of young children (in preschools, day care centers, or kindergartens) improve their working relationship with parents through productive parent-teacher conferences. Several steps to be taken early in the school year or even before school begins include establishing and maintaining communication,…

This resource packet presents some of the arguments for, and research about, parents playing an active role in the education of their children--not just by being supportive at home, but also by being involved in the school. The issues covered include: (1) the need for parent involvement; (2) goals of parent involvement; (3) types of parent…

A survey conducted in May and June of 1987 sought the opinions of parents and teachers on how they view one another's role and performance in the education of children. The survey also measured the extent to which they were in agreement or disagreement about ways to strengthen home-school links. The resulting data are based on interviews with…

Questionnaires on individualized education programs (IEPs) were completed by 168 parents of handicapped children (10 to 17 years old). Analysis of the ten participant categories (i.e., mother, teacher, psychologist) found that two participant categories, the child's mother and the special education teacher, attended at least one IEP conference 75%…

Offers suggestions for conducting an effective parent-teacher conference and using the information gained for the benefit of children. Suggestions are aimed at reducing anxiety and confusion on the part of parents and teachers and creating a working relationship that contributes to both parents' and children's development. (BB)