A case study examined the nature of parent involvement in five Mexican-origin, migrant families with children who were highly successful students. The families had their home base in different regions of Texas. Each had a child recognized as an exemplary migrant high school graduate, and together the families had more than 40 academically…

New research shows that the involvement of both mothers and fathers is important to children's education. Recognizing that promoting fathers' involvement depends greatly on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of the teachers, administrators, child care providers, and social support staff, this report is designed to inform, promote, and celebrate…

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…

Measured the influence of parental involvement on the academic achievement of 1,714 eighth-grade Mexican American children. Developed and tested a structural equations model which considers and controls for diversity of family backgrounds and values, students' previous achievements, and other factors. Found that parental involvement did influence…

Suggestions are offered for teachers to help children whose school behavior and performance are being adversely affected by stressful family events. The strategy involves defining the problem, working with the child to develop coping strategies, making appropriate classroom responses, and working with parents. (JDD)

Family interaction and home socialization concerning education issues were described for six Mexican-American families in California with six children in grade two. The strengths of the families have important relevance for education, regardless of the different ways the parents exercised their roles, particularly with regard to homework. (SLD)

Presents observations and lessons drawn from two years of Kentucky school reform. Implementing the Kentucky School Reform Act of 1990 teaches that reforming schools also requires addressing the ways in which communities raise their children. Community work, with parent and student participation, improves family conditions and political decision…

In this article, the author describes the two types of street children: (1) those children whose vagrancy was forced upon them by families and circumstances; and (2) those children who have an urge to go wandering, not because they are unhappy and have been abused but because they have an urge for it. Even though these children do run away from…

Noting the relatively few studies that have examined the individual contributions that mothers and fathers make to their children's schooling, this study examined the extent to which resident (excluding foster) and nonresident fathers are involved in their children's schools, and the influence their involvement has on how their children are doing…

Many studies have found that literacy exists in low-SES (low socioeconomic status) children's daily lives--it is the meaning, frequency of use, depth, and general use of literacy at home that affect the children's progress in school. Research studies clearly show differences in home literacy development of low-SES and higher income children that…

This guide is for parents of children with disabilities who require the help of a machine or device for some life-sustaining activity such as breathing or eating. Following an introduction, chapter 1 is on preparing for the child's return home including parent training, community-based services, and obtaining funding for home care. Chapter 2, on…

Help for educators in meeting the challenge of involving parents and extended families of at-risk children is offered in this report. Twenty-eight chapters provide information to help educators communicate with low-income, nonwhite, and non-English speaking parents. Part 1 identifies the at-risk population, the benefits and forms of family…

A discussion of environmental variables in children's language development focuses on the impact on the child of his/her surroundings, and especially the adults (parents and other caregivers) with whom the child interacts. The paper reviews the related literature with attention to the following: the parents' responsibility for child language…

Dealing with the critical years from birth through kindergarten, this micromonograph answers parents' questions about when and how to prepare a child for reading. The pamphlet discusses in depth these suggestions: (1) talking and reading to the child, (2) letting the child read and write, (3) being a model of reading and writing behavior, and (4)…

Intended for parents of preschoolers, this book offers samples of children's "writing" (defined as the funny signs and symbols that pencils make) and attempts to show how parents can support and expand children's discovery of printed language before children begin school. Each of the eight chapters contains numerous examples of young…