Discusses findings from the Successful Schools Project, a two-year national project involving 10 secondary schools in England and Wales which aimed to identify strategies for involving parents in their adolescents' education. Describes three elements critical to the development and maintenance of school-family partnerships at the secondary level:…

Describes an intervention to improve teacher-parent-student partnerships in Cyprus, a country where home-school relations are not yet very amicable. The intervention was conducted in two schools, one urban and one rural, that differed in size, characteristics, and community profiles. Discusses purpose of the intervention and compares outcomes…

Details a study investigating the effect of well-designed homework activities on 6-7 and 11-12 year-old students' second-language acquisition and literacy skills in Portugal and Luxembourg, and whether parental involvement in these homework activities enhances students' learning. Highlights findings that strongly suggest this is so. Includes…

Discusses the need for cooperation in Germany between home and school to improve academic success. Notes that for such cooperation to be effective, educators must rethink traditional roles of parents and teachers and begin a dialog between these groups. Considers home-school cooperation activities, a successful project that acts on these theories,…

Discusses and critiques both formal and informal parental involvement in education decision making in Denmark's primary and lower secondary schools. Describes the educational and political trends that have led to an emphasis on decentralized decision making and home-school cooperation in the Danish Education System. Considers a model of joint…

Describes the context of parent advisory councils in Canada, which were formed as the result of legislation to increase parental communication and authority in the schools. Discusses three aspects of the challenge to increase parent participation in the schools: establishing parents' authority as decision makers, expanding parents' roles, and…

Examines findings and practical implications of a study on homework which helped Scottish policymakers, educators and families better understand, improve and build upon home-school relations. The study prompted the creation of study support centers in schools that were staffed by librarians, teachers, and parents. (JPB)

Investigated child and family experiences with after-school care programs. Examined 5- to 12-year-olds' experiences, including satisfaction with activities and organization, friendship and homework patterns, and the impact of care on family relationships. Found that patterns of participation in after-school care are closely aligned with the…

Reviews international research and practice regarding parent-school partnerships. Considers factors common to many nations: parents' concern for their children's academic success; the role of partnership programs in parent involvement in education; the need for teacher and administrator training to prepare for partnerships; and the need for…

States that early-childhood educators must overcome negative experiences and feelings of inadequacy in the arts. Explores barriers that teachers must resolve to promote enjoyment and enthusiasm in the arts, including succumbing to stereotypes, evaluating children based on personal ability, reducing art to following instructions, focusing on…

Highlights qualitative studies from two preschools that view the framework of literacy use as socially constructed and embedded in social and cultural perspectives and practices of communities. Suggests ways to strengthen early-childhood programs, including greater use of writing and drawing materials readily available, additional orientation to…

Notes that the role of children's play in learning is of primary importance, and discusses the impact of technology on play and as play. Suggests that the opportunity for learning and play in technological environments should be explored to provide young children an educational enhancement and to maintain contact with the popular culture of young…

Describes a model of father-child literacy activities, based on observed activities of 60 fathers involved in Project DADS in New Mexico. The model consists of four approaches to getting fathers involved: early social interaction, reading books, preliteracy activities, and school involvement. (LBT)

Acknowledges that children with special needs flourish and benefit from early-childhood environments that empower learning. Discusses center learning, which allows children to be actively engaged in self-directed learning based on strength, ability, and interest. Suggests that center learning can enhance aspects related to emergent literacy…

States that early-childhood professionals play an important role in connecting children to quality literature. Presents an overview of children's book awards and selection criteria. Includes strategies for using award-winning literature with young readers and listeners. (LBT)