Parents can prepare themselves to participate more effectively in the special education planning process. Guidelines for parents presented in the form of questions to be asked prior to and at the annual review address the need for eliciting clarification, descriptive information, and program implications, and understanding procedures, goals, and…

A principal shares principles and practices involved in achieving excellence in a middle school. (DCS)

Filled with time-tested techniques and relevant examples, this user-friendly guide aims to empower educators with the confidence and tools necessary to communicate effectively, efficiently, and honestly in all situations. The resource guide uses clear-cut language, to-the-point insights, and pertinent advice--reflecting the many suggestions found…

Discrepancy-Score Approach, a technique developed and tested over a three year period, allows school districts to determine their perceived educational needs. (MB)

In an attempt to explain to teachers, parents, and others the role of the elementary guidance counselor, a series of videotapes dealing with the services of this specialist has been developed. (Author/CJ)

Skills for creating an atmosphere that enhances communication in the individualized education program (IEP) conference are discussed. Among suggestions are expressing major points in a clear and nonthreatening manner, beginning and ending the conference on a positive note, and using the parent's and child's names. (PHR)

Describes the action research process and provides practical guidelines for using the process to improve the education of children with disabilities and increase parental involvement. Laying the groundwork for action research, recruiting parents to participate in the research, and involving parents in each step are discussed. (CR)

This article lists common pitfalls in parents' gifted advocacy attempts: believing exceptionality is synonymous with entitlement; responding to stated boredom without determining the meaning; waiting for a crisis before advocating; pushing for a response before agreeing on the issue; and advocating from their own issues. Strategies for developing…

A rationale is offered for parent involvement in seeking solutions to the problems faced by middle school students; and for inclusion, in the middle school courses of preservice teachers, of instruction on parent/teacher conferences. Specific suggestions for conducting positive parent-teacher conferences, are offered, with emphasis on proper…

Learning in a past-oriented, present-oriented, and future-oriented society is contrasted. Family viewing of television is suggested as a means of shaping the future by fostering intergenerational communication. In addition, parent-teacher-child conferences are recommended to encourage students to take responsibility for planning their future. (JDD)

Presents conference strategies designed to include primary students and show them that their opinions matter. Teachers must create a good atmosphere, let the children describe their classroom performance, let the parents discuss their children's performance, then devise a group plan of action. Teacher tips for creative conferencing are included.…

Discusses the role of clear, honest communication in building effective school-parent partnerships. Offers several suggestions to help establish communication between school or child care facility staff and the families served, including newsletters, parent communication centers, parent libraries, home visits, letters and postcards, telephone…

Encourages close communication between parents and early childhood teachers. Initial contacts and contacts throughout the school year help to convey general information about the school to parents. Visits, notes, and telephone calls can be used to provide specific information about individual children. (GH)

A third-grade classroom teacher describes five methods of communication between parents and teachers: (1) the weekly folder, (2) the informative notice, (3) weekly visits by parents, (4) the daily note, and (5) after school assistance for students, with parents discussing students' progress with the teacher when they pick up their child. (DB)

This article discusses the advantages of student-led conferences for students with and without disabilities and their families, including increased student involvement, student goal-setting, student reflection, and student responsibility. It describes the steps and positive results from one school district that has adopted the student-led…