Discusses the validity and reliability of teacher observation in gifted child research. The benefits of teacher observation include an increase in professional authority and self-consciousness of teachers, an enrichment of the quality of relationships between teachers and parents of gifted students, and a revelation of the educational needs of…

This article discusses how special education teachers can serve as mentors to parents of children with physical and health disabilities. The benefits of mentoring to both the parent and the mentor are described. The stages that the relationship may go through and potential barriers are also addressed. (Author/CR)

In this article, the author responds to a teacher's request for advice on how to handle one 5-year-old child in her class who has a habit of aggressively taking other children's things without asking. The author provides some suggestions on how to work with a child who does not respect other children's space and belongings. She emphasizes posing…

One of the most important elements in arranging an optimal learning environment for young children is helping parents become partners in their children's learning. To promote this partnership teachers must keep parents informed about the program and their children's progress within it. Such exchanges can be accomplished in a variety of ways,…

This paper, written jointly by a teacher and a parent, discusses the effects of changing parent expectations on parent cooperative preschools. It is suggested that pressure on the parent cooperative comes from parents' diminished respect for the professional status of educators, from new demands for a strict academic approach to preschool, and…

Examines the reaction of teachers toward the employment of parent volunteers in classrooms, particularly with reference to the extent to which teachers hold professional attitudes, i.e., in terms of possessing positive attitudes towards high standards of professional knowledge and skill and a dedication of service towards children. (Author/RK)

Teachers need to state clearly their commitment to students and subject matter, their definitions of teaching and school administration, their perspective on what is new about being an adolescent and what is new about teaching an adolescent in today's world. (MLW)

Teachers can learn specific behaviors that will promote trust and cooperation in their communication with parents. Effective communication in the parent-teacher conference includes a friendly greeting, eye contact, readiness to listen, positive statements, open and reflective responses, discussion of problem areas based on work examples, and…

Noting the importance of the parent-teacher relationship to maintaining good home-school partnerships, this paper discusses the research on parent-teacher partnerships, including factors that affect the development of effective relationships: (1) the degree of match between teachers' and parents' cultures and values, (2) societal forces at work on…

The third volume in the Transition Magician series, this book is designed to help early childhood professionals in supporting the parents of young children. The book provides activities for parents and young children for home and away from home to guide children through difficult transition times and to make the most of valuable opportunities for…

Elaborates the thesis that children's behavior is the language of their emotional life and that teachers' responses to children's behavior foster or stunt children's growth. Gives particular attention to the problem of children's provoking feelings in the teacher that the teacher does not want to acknowledge and to parents' influence on children's…

Entitlement legislation, demographic trends, and increased status and control over a student constituency have encouraged teachers to specialize. This trend can lead to bureaucratization and fragmentation of the profession. Specialized professional services should be provided in a way that recognizes client involvement in decision making. (PP)

From a Catholic perspective, discusses the responsibility for and difficulties of teaching children about sexuality. Underscores the importance of parents' and teachers' self-confidence. Raises seven issues; among these are cooperation between home and school, training of parents and teachers in effective catechesis, and balancing the cognitive…

Outlines a year-long approach to monitoring student progress and soliciting help from parents and pupil personnel staff when learning problems develop. (SJL)

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson discusses his "Push for Excellence" program and shares his views on the responsibilities of teachers, parents, and students. (Editor/SJL)