The report presents findings of a parent-organized and parent-conducted evaluation of special education services in Montclair, New Jersey. Parents visited classrooms (resource rooms and self-contained classes) and interviewed staff. Findings and recommendations address the following topics: identification of children (classification by school and…

The digest addresses concerns of parents of gifted children. An initial section recaps ways in which gifted children are identified. The next section examines ways in which parents can encourage gifted children at home (through such avenues as permitting ample time for thinking and daydreaming and assigning household tasks that coincide with…

Described are the objectives and activities of a 5-year-old local (Richmond County, Georgia) association for parents of gifted children. Organization objectives are listed and include presenting parents with information for better understanding of gifted students and supporting projects planned by the resource teachers for the gifted (such as…

The gifted education movement in California is traced, and the efforts of the California Association for Gifted (a parent group) to save the California gifted program are reviewed. It is pointed out that the strongest component of California's successes in developing gifted/talented education legislation has been parent support. (SW)

Discusses political action by and on behalf of parents. Suggests ways that existing interest group theory can further our understanding of how parents' interest is or is not represented in educational policy making. (Author/GC)

Intended for parents and teachers of gifted and talented children, the book discusses identification criteria and educational strategies for developing their potential. Case studies of gifted and talented children are cited and a checklist of common characteristics is provided. Suggestions are given for fostering creativity in the home; and…

Extensively surveys the literature to illustrate the concept of parent education from the 1830s to the 1980s. Describes historical "modes," or views, of childrearing and the role of the private sector and the federal government in parent education programs. Implications for early childhood education are pointed out. (AS)

Reviews the problems inherent in parents' active participation in the operation of day care centers and offers some solutions made possible through the formation of the kinds of "policy advisory committees" that currently operate in New York City. (ED)

This guide for Hispanic American parents offers practical advice on how to help their children succeed and how to improve their children's schools. Education is important because in today's service and technically oriented economy, education means the difference between a well-paying, stable job and a low-paying unstable job. In the next 10 years,…

The report documents the achievements of the Parent Information Center, an information and referral service for parents of handicapped children. Documented are the center's relationships with community agencies, presentations, participation in parent advisory boards at the local level, interagency cooperation, consumer outreach, staff training,…

The article outlines the history of integrating mentally retarded children in regular classes in Quebec. Stressed is the role of parents through the Quebec Association for the Mentally Deficient. (DB)

The mother of a 7-year-old boy with osteogenesis imperfecta describes arrangements made with an elementary school to place the boy in a regular first grade class. (KW)

The "Parent Speakers Program" combats misunderstanding about the nature of disabilities, misconceptions regarding the disabled, and stereotypes about disabled persons held by the community. Parents present factual information regarding disability; following the presentation, a discussion time and question/answer period is set aside to…

Intended for the parent/guardian of a disabled child, the article relates the concept of consumer involvement to the attainment of educational, therapeutic, or mental health services for children. The importance of parents' groups is stressed, and steps for the parent to take as a child's advocate are listed. (SBH)