Describes successful volunteer programs that use parents to help expand curriculum, improve academic achievement, and free teachers to make better use of their teaching time. Includes a list of key elements to consider when setting up such programs. (MD)

The SMILES (Senior Motivators in Learning and Educational Services) program was initiated in 1977 by Salt Lake City School Volunteers, Inc., a nonprofit organization working with the Salt Lake City School District, as an addition to an established, successful school volunteer program. The purpose of the SMILES program is to recruit and train older…

The establishment of a mathematics laboratory, staffed mainly by volunteer parents, is described. Later college student volunteers and a paid aide were added. Organization, training sessions, materials, problems, and evaluation are discussed. (LS)

The purpose of this handbook is to help the teacher learn to involve school volunteers creatively and effectively in educational programs. Twelve steps are presented that teachers should take to involve volunteers effectively: (1) assess your needs, (2) talk with teachers who have worked with school volunteers, (3) request a volunteer for the…

This booklet explains the volunteer as a necessary and expanding part of the school district's educational team. The benefits and drawbacks of volunteerism are presented, with stress on the indication that problems incurred by the school districts can be solved. The planning, coordination, supervision, direction, and usage of volunteer programs…

This document presents four project workshop reports sponsored by Project VOICE voluntary opportunities for inspiring coordinators for education. Program-wise the two regional conference main sessions were designed to cover similar topics for providing background, current information about, and directions toward which volunteerism in education…

An estimated 10,000 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds perform many kinds of jobs each year in the Dade County (Florida) school system. Recruitment and training of volunteers, organization and operation, and the various programs are described in the article. (MF)

A fifth-grade teacher in Kansas City, Missouri, wanted volunteers in her classroom--to help her individualize instruction, work with students who have emotional problems, and allow her more time to plan her instruction. But when two adults volunteered to help, she couldn't think of anything specific for them to do. Here are suggestions for…

Article considered how teacher aides are used, the controversy surrounding their use, and a look at formulating arrangements to govern their use. (Editor/RK)

Volunteers can be an invaluable resource for teachers who are willing to take the time and energy necessary to train them. Guidelines for using volunteers as research aides, sources of special talent or experiences, links to the community, managers of classroom centers, and tutors are offered. (PP)

Programs that involve the help of volunteers (parents, older adults, community members) in the elementary school classroom are described. Tips for starting a volunteer program are provided. (CJ)

An after-school program run by teacher aides and utilizing a combination of nutrition instruction and exercise aided in the control of obesity in primary and elementary school-age children. (LH)

The Carl E. Gilbert School (Buena Park, California) was officially "adopted" by Kraft Foods, Incorporated, in November 1982, creating a community partnership between business and education. Fifty-two Kraft employees volunteered to donate their time for 1 hour a week to help teachers of the kindergarten through the sixth grade. They…

Educators from over 35 Washington State school districts and education service districts briefly describe their programs for involving parents in the schools. Compiled for Washington's six regional "Partners in Education" conferences, held in May 1981, the collection also presents Gallup Poll data on school volunteers and 115 ideas for parental…