This document describes the work of several universities to make teacher-family partnerships a high priority in teacher preparation. The case studies of several successful programs demonstrate that teacher preparation programs can undertake various approaches to help teachers develop the skills and knowledge needed to carry out their partnership…

In addition to those adjustments that any new parents must make, lesbian mothers face numerous special concerns. This book offers information and support for lesbian parents on relations between lesbian mothers and the outside world, child development and social issues, and special circumstances. Chapter 1 introduces a group of lesbian mothers and…

This book provides information for elementary and secondary teachers about autism and classroom techniques for teaching students with autism in inclusive classrooms. The text consists of 12 chapters, each concerned with a different school issue/structure. Chapter 1 outlines definitions of autism and attempts to illustrate how autism is experienced…

This handbook provides guidelines to assist North Dakota educators who are developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities. It is presented in four sections. The first section highlights the major changes brought about by the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including…

Teachers/parents of third- and fourth-grade students at four randomly selected Gary, Indiana, schools participated in a study of effects of age, occupation, race, and education on parent-school communication. Parents who were housewives, high school graduates, and/or 20- to 30-years-old were particularly satisfied with teacher-parent interaction.…

The article focuses on issues that are important in training teachers to work with Mexican American students who are handicapped. Factors examined include cooperative efforts between local education agencies and universities; teacher attitudes, both toward the culturally different and toward the handicapped; and legislation and litigation. (DLS)

Presents six workshop sessions on parent conferences: (1) "Parents' Perspectives on Conferencing" (R. Duffy); (2) "Three Way Conferences" (G. Zeller); (3) "Conferencing with Parents of Infants" (K. Albrecht); (4) "Conferencing with Parents of School-Agers" (L. G. Miller); (5) "Cross Cultural Conferences" (J. Gonzalez-Mena); and (6) "Working with…

Six educators were asked to identify issues that should be at the top of the education agenda for the new President of the United States. Educational equity, teacher recruitment and training, partnership of educational responsibility, participation of minority groups were discussed. (MLW)

Interviews 40 British parents and their children's nursery school teachers, concerning parental involvement in children's preschool reading and writing. Reveals parents frequently assist and direct their children in language arts activities but do not feel confident and teachers expressed doubts about parental interest. Shows need for greater…

Discusses a collaborative project between education and anthropology which qualitatively studies the establishment of strategic connections between households and classrooms in Arizona's Mexican communities. Teacher-researchers visit households, assume the role of learners, establish connections with parents, and develop instructional activities…

A transitional planning model implemented at St. Joseph's School for the Blind in Jersey City, New Jersey, incorporates a broad conceptualization of transition that includes social skills, independent living skills, and overall competence in adjustment to the community. The model considers parental involvement, advocacy, and leadership as…

Considers key issues that schools, school districts, and other agencies need to address when planning a home visiting program to promote collaboration between home and school. Essential goals are defined, and the skills that home visitors need are explored. Home visiting programs are viewed as a developing process. (SLD)

Cites examples of the difficulties of parent partnerships for child care teachers and presents suggestions for creating successful relationships between parent and child care worker. Suggests that an understanding of parental roles and insecurities, teacher insecurities, and predictably difficult issues can assist new teachers in creating…

In the "Just Do It, Jr." program, 81 at-risk fifth-grade students in rural Nevada attended life skills training sessions, then taught self-esteem concepts to second graders. The fifth graders averaged a 16% improvement on self-observed school attitudes and self-esteem, and the second graders thought the programs were well taught. (TD)