"Family Involvement Makes a Difference" is a set of research briefs that examines one set of complementary learning linkages: family involvement in the home and school. As the first in the series, this brief focuses on the linkages among the family, early childhood education settings, and schools. Future papers will examine family involvement in…

This brochure presents ideas for creating a special place for a family's reading materials--a"family library"--and for helping children build their own personal collections. The brochure offers a sampling of activities that will help families display and keep track of a growing collection of newspapers, magazines, and books. The brochure…

Describes an Indiana elementary school's first family day, in which over 200 parents participated in a full day of activities (discussions, films, singing, dancing) with their children. This rewarding experiment will pave the way for future attempts to celebrate the family and strengthen school pride. (MLH)

This article cites middle schools nationwide that are using various methods to partner with parents, ensuring that not only is entering middle school a smoother transition but that giving parents a better understanding of the changing curriculum is a top priority. Over 200 middle level schools are addressing No Child Left Behind requirements to…

This review addresses issues related to parental involvement in their children's education, and what can be done to increase parent participation in education. Findings from the review of research on parental and familial involvement point to the recurring theme that parental involvement is a necessity in education. Research has shown that schools…

Describes ATSEM (Acquaint-Teach-Support-Expand-Maintain), a model for family involvement in an education program." (Author)

Discusses the development and philosophy of parent-infant education programs provided by Washington State community colleges and vocational technical schools consisting of parent-participation classes and cooperative preschools for 10,000 families. Describes program at Seattle Community College. (BF/JH)

Presents detailed descriptions of two intergenerational literacy programs currently functioning to meet family literacy needs. (MG)

Presents a scheme for organizing the various dimensions of parent-school involvement. Discusses four aspects of the model: monitoring, informing, participation, and empowerment. (MG)

Encourages participation of parents as coeducators in the child's learning program. Argues that the teacher's relationship with the student is achievement-oriented, where performance is evaluated, and that teachers are responsible for working with and relating to the student's family. (RAE)

A literature review of seven articles published from 1980 to 1996 on the effects of parental participation in the intervention program for children with cerebral palsy found that most of the studies reported positive results, especially for child-related outcomes. Effects on parents were related to parental involvement in goal setting. (Author/CR)

One Virginia elementary school conducts workshops for parents and children to enhance students' learning in the core subject areas. Families Learning At School/Home (FLASH) is supported by the PTA, which helps by designing and distributing flyers, making and displaying presentation boards, and following up with local newspapers. The PTA also…

Reports on a study that investigated the impact of a science teaching and learning program on families of children attending an Australian child care center. Findings indicate that science-based discussions in everyday family contexts were common among families during the program and that parents gained greater insights into specific aspects of…

This article discusses the characteristics of "positive behavior support," the incorporation of families as collaborators rather than helpers, the ecological validity of positive behavior support, outcomes that stress changes in lifestyle that permit inclusion in community-based activities from which the student was formerly excluded,…

This response to several commentaries on a successful behavior support plan that was used to address the challenging behaviors of a 9-year-old boy with severe disabilities focuses on the importance of multiple perspectives and multiple research methodologies, the benefit and challenge of parent partnerships, and issues related to practice and…