Motivating children to read on their own has been less of a priority than improving reading achievement in recent years, but many teachers are still asking, "How do I get my students to want to read?" The omission of motivation as a major component of reading instruction by the National Reading Panel (2000) was interpreted by many schools as a…

Preschool classrooms were investigated to determine the extent to which quality is related to children's literacy development. The study included 24 classrooms of 428 prekindergarten children in a large, urban Midwestern school district. Results suggest that global classroom quality and literacy environment quality are strongly related. Literacy…

This article describes kindergarten from the perspective of the whole child. Specifically, it reviews current research on best practices to improve children's math and language arts competencies, memory skills, and the role of kindergarten in beginning science. It also describes the social experiences children have in kindergarten with respect to…

The exterior design of existing preschool environments is evaluated in the context of contemporary writings by architects focusing on creating designs that nurture children's emotions. Sense of place research is discussed in relation to young children's experiences. Findings reveal that the majority of sites included in the study incorporated many…

Improving children's preparation for school success has become a national priority. For decades, researchers have tried to identify the characteristics of early childhood education (ECE) classrooms that can make the greatest difference for participating children. To date, however, the research hasn't offered clear guidelines for how best to…

Examines the findings of effective schools research and reading research that support the view that (1) more time should be devoted to reading children's literature and (2) more than basal materials is necessary for effective instruction. Shows how teaching children's literature can improve teacher effectiveness. (SKC)

Maintains that before teachers or administrators become involved in classroom research they should carefully assess the conceptual soundness, feasibility, and ethics of any proposed study. Also considered should be ways to facilitate research and the potential rewards of research involvement. (BB)

The paper surveys the planning necessary for effective inservice education for early childhood special education staff. A definition is offered, followed by an outline of general assumptions and guidelines. Next, a planning approach consisting of four interrelated phases is described: support and start-up, initial planning, program design, and…

Current research programs for handicapped preschoolers and their families is reviewed under five administrative roles--program manager, policy planner, monitor-evaluator, advocate, and trainer-facilitator. Implications for administrators include activities/skill building in affective development, family services, technology, policy analysis,…

Suggestions for narrowing the discrepancy between the knowledge base of early communication development and the implementation of effective communication interventions for severely handicapped infants and young children are offered including strategies for facilitating emerging language development, increasing positive interactions with infants,…

The paper maintains that impact evaluation studies of programs serving handicapped infants and preschoolers should be restricted to scientifically defendable investigations. Specific types of impact studies and an evaluation process are suggested. It is suggested that program leaders should focus evaluation activities on the status of project…

Paraprofessionals provided informal social support to 92 low-income parents during pregnancy and for a year afterward. Mother-infant interaction was better at four months in the home-visited families than in controls, especially with teen and Hispanic mothers. Positive and irritable or fearful mothers appeared to benefit more than passive or…

The transition of children between the two programs of Public Law 99-457, serving children aged birth through two and age three through five, can impact on state administration and local agency administration of the programs. Recommendations are provided for facilitating the family's and child's transition and ensuring continuity in services.…

This article adapts change procedures designed by organization theorists within the field of business and applies them to the challenge facing early intervention programs in light of the requirements of Public Law 99-457. A five-step plan for change which includes the factor of resistance to change is discussed. (DB)

Twenty-one recommendations addressing 11 topics related to the needs of infants and young children in substance-abusing families were generated as a result of 2 meetings of experts, practitioners, and policymakers in California. Recommendations cover terminology, prevention, assessment, early intervention, family treatment, foster care, family…