Recognizing the need for family, school, and community members to participate in partnerships to support middle level children, this study investigated the perceptions of family members, community members, and middle school teachers regarding their relationships with each other from a perspective that views all three groups as integral parts of a…

This paper presents findings from the 1999 Survey of California Teacher Education, with follow-up telephone interviews in 2000. The four-item survey examined the extent to which 53 California teacher training institutions included courses, activities, and modules relating to three areas of focus identified in state documents: (1) developing…

This document, the third in a series on diversity in the classroom, examines the responsibility of teachers to their diverse students. Section 1, "Introduction," reviews the issue. Section 2, "A Shared Responsibility," describes the context within which to build practices that help children become stronger. Basic to this…

This guide, written in a question-and-answer format, provides basic information on bilingualism and raises practical issues in plain, clear, and direct language. It is written for both monolingual speakers who want to consider bilingualism and bilingual speakers who want to become better informed. Many of the ideas and perceptions in the first…

The basic premise of this paper is that decisions about children and their early educational experiences are culturally situated and, by definition, will reflect varying interpretations of appropriate educational aims and strategies. Drawing upon three decades of experience in the Italian culture as well as preliminary findings from a…

This bulletin reports on the changes and progress in practice and conditions in: (1) School Housing; (2) Playgrounds; (3) Medical inspection; (4) Dental work; (5) Nutrition; (6) Open-air schools and open-window rooms; (7) The summer camp; (8) Other special schools and classes; (9) Health education; (10) Physical training; (11) Safety and first…

Twenty-four studies are reviewed for home-based reinforcement of school behavior as a method for motivating behavioral change. It is noted that the technique has been used successfully with children in group homes and in special classes, and with entire mainstreamed and special classrooms. (MH)

Describes two current educational reform strategies: "implementation-of-innovations," which fails to promote sufficient change for all children to succeed; and "indigenous intervention," which encourages indigenous school and community members to create change that will engage students. Describes the Educational and Community…

A year-long ethnographic study of a British multiethnic primary school examined the influence of teacher perception of Pakistani parent involvement and interest in their children's education on teacher expectation of the children's language and literacy achievement. Findings showed that teachers misinterpreted cultural differences in parents'…

Studies the involvement of 15 Chinese immigrant parents or guardians at 1 school in southern California, and provides information on home/school communication. The study determined, through additional interviews with 10 elementary teachers, at which levels of participation did parents and teachers see themselves working and the kinds of…

Discusses specific topics that second-language teachers should be familiar with, organized under the following headings: teachers' background, community/parent expectations, children/students expectations, knowing the students, classroom management, motivation, planning, theories of second-language acquisition, language skills, culture, media…

Summarizes current theories about children's peer relationships and suggests practices recommended by teachers for parents concerned about their children's social development. Asserts that not having friends can be frustrating and painful for young children. Explores parental influences and gives steps parents can take to enhance children's social…

This article discusses the efficacy of early intervention services and programs for young children with special needs, early intervention federal legislation, factors that can affect culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) caregivers' participation in early intervention, and culturally and linguistically sensitive skills and behaviors for…

An increasing number of children have family problems that interfere with their ability to learn at school. This book provides information about developing a clearer and more sophisticated child-centered school and classroom by making teachers and administrators more knowledgeable about the varieties of students' family structures, both healthy…

This book is the report of the Family Ties Commission, which was established by the Association of Teacher Educators to study the relationship between home and school. Following the preface and two introductory essays, "Education and My Family" (K.B. O'Rourke as told to E. Johnson) and "Preparing for Successful Children" (B. Clawson), the book is…