This final report describes activities and accomplishments of a 4-year federally funded project to improve the capacity of state, regional, and local educational services to meet the needs of learners with deaf-blindness and their families throughout the state of Tennessee. The project provided individualized technical assistance and support to…

This study investigated the effects of a video-based training program on the quantity and quality of family involvement in special education, perceptions of both family members and educators concerning parental competence as team members, and family members' satisfaction with their own involvement, team processes, and decisions made by the team.…

This chapter is part of a book that recounts the year's work at the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. Rather than an "elitist" laboratory school for the children of university faculty, the dual-language ECDC is a collaboration between the Corpus Christi Independent School District and…

This report discusses four studies that investigated the effects of school reform on outcomes for children with emotional and behavioral disabilities. The studies included evaluations of the reform and restructuring activities of schools and school districts and assessment of student outcomes and use of metal health services. One study involved…

Family, business, and community involvement in education can make a significant difference in preparing our children to succeed in an increasingly global job market. This pamphlet outlines six priority educational action areas on which schools/communities can focus America Goes Back to School events or long-term projects. The six areas outlined…

Noting the need for early childhood programs to work as a team with parents and community members to benefit the children and families they serve, this videotape examines ways to foster partnerships between families and schools. The first part of the 22-minute video features conversations with educators and administrators of early childhood…

This guide is intended for school leaders acting to involve families in the education of their children. A common concern is the amount and kinds of family involvement that lead to a positive school climate and higher student achievement. To address this concern, strategies are outlined to help school leaders in deciding upon the kinds of family…

Examines concerns expressed by home-schooling parents in the context of guidelines of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education and the Association for Childhood Education International. Connects guidelines to recent literature to suggest effective strategies for meeting parental needs and responding to the diverse responsibilities of…

Argues that a return to native language education has escalated the tensions and contradictions of the politics of bilingualism. Examines the events pertinent to the language shift from English as a medium of instruction to Chinese in Hong Kong. Emphasizes controversial issues, such as parental choice, antagonism of elite classes, and group…

Describes efforts in Illinois to improve permanency outcomes for children in formal kinship care: the state developed Delegated Relative Authority (DRA) status for children in stable family foster care with relatives while maintaining state support in situations where adoption was unlikely. Presents findings from 1,116 feasibility assessments. (SD)

Reviews Michigan Kinship Project, a case management approach that is competency based and designed to assist child welfare staff members in working effectively with relatives as foster parents. Focuses on attention to culture, family participation and empowerment, systematic assessment, and individualized and comprehensive services. Provides case…

Asserts that increasing inter-agency conflict is detrimental to needs of children and families. Presents example of one agency (Educational Psychology Service), suggesting that its pressures are common to all agencies and that recent policies conspire to enhance the power of systems rather than of children and families. Discusses effective…

This study of the differences in spousal perceptions of videocassette recorder (VCR) use in families with children examined parent-child negotiation of access and content, family viewing interaction, and gender differences. The use of Q-data analysis techniques is described, and three basic types of VCR usage are identified--child-centered,…

Describes a collaborative project between California State University, Los Angeles, and an urban elementary school that fostered conditions for parent involvement in the school and home-school cooperation. Workshops, English classes, and a parent mentor program were features of the successful effort. (SLD)

Reviews Kentucky's efforts to increase family and community involvement in its public school reform. These efforts include a new structure for the traditional elementary school; Family Resource Centers; and school-based decision making. Also shares some parents' perspectives on how these changes are shaping their children's school experiences. (BB)