In 2008, in order to meet global standards for basic education, Mongolia adopted a new educational system replacing an 11-year system, under which children started primary school at age seven, with a 12-year system in which schooling commences at age six. Since education should be an active collaboration between school and family, having younger…

This paper reports on a Canadian qualitative case study project funded by the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario. The paper describes success stories of students and communities affected by poverty from a diverse sample of eleven elementary schools throughout the province of Ontario. Over the period of one school year (2007-2008) and…

Presents the main finding of a nationwide questionnaire survey investigating the home-school liaisons in Cyprus among teachers and families in Cyprus primary state schools. Data analysis revealed that both teachers and families consider that present home-school links in Cyprus are restricted. (Contains 12 tables and 58 references.) (AUTHOR)

Describes a study of students, teachers, and staff at one Brewer, Maine, elementary school. The purpose was to see whether benefits attributed to sense of community and belonging were present and, if so, what role Community of Caring played in creating such an environment. (Contains 1 figure and 16 references.) (AUTHOR)

Examines teacher perceptions of first-generation Arab parent involvement in elementary schools in an urban Midwestern school district. Reports findings involving teachers' perceptions of Arab family involvement and communication styles, teacher efficacy and approach to culture, perceived administrative support and available resources, and…

Two studies examined teachers' perspectives on parents' involvement in urban elementary schools serving low-income families. The second- and fifth-grade teachers interviewed believed homework supervision and at-home enrichment experiences were most valuable parental-involvement approaches. Teachers attending a summer workshop evinced critical…

A phenomenological study of a 26-member involved-parent culture unearthed a conception: involved parents participate in their own and other children's lives both inside and outside schools. The portrait of an involved parent is more multicultural (and multifaceted) than commonly portrayed. Educators should welcome minority parents. (Contains 34…

Explores issues concerning representation, training, guidelines, and parent representative roles to determine how Mexican-American parents serving on an elementary school advisory council were involved in school decision-making. Parents' role may be minor, due to factors (like staff assumptions) resulting in unequal knowledge, respect, and…

The Families and Schools Together (FAST) Program is a family-support program that helps schools build strong relationships with families of children aged 6-9 experiencing behavioral or academic difficulties. A recent study examined FAST's application in San Antonio, Texas, focusing on six community-building strategies. (Contains 29 references.)…

Recounts a Pennsylvania community's reluctance and eventual approval of a new charter school. Considers political forces from a systems-design perspective; highlights the community involvement process as expressed in public hearings. Discusses reasons for resistance and legislative incentives to overcome it. Makes legislative recommendations. (MLH)

A group of athletic sixth-grade girls who controlled a central niche on a progressive elementary school's playground were eventually displaced by a few highly competitive sixth-grade boys. Boys could dominate play sites because their taste for large, structured, hierarchical games reflected the school's own preference. (Contaiins 10 references.)…

A phenomenolographical research project surveyed a culture of 26 participating parents in one district. Involved parents are motivated to pursue involvement in their children's lives both in and outside of school and with their children's friends. Involved parents also seek information about their children through various sources. (Contains 30…

Three groups of preservice teachers (two enrolled in an undergraduate family-involvement course and one comprised of experienced certified teachers) completed surveys addressing attitudes, feasibility, and preparation factors for nine parent/school-involvement activities. The first two groups were more likely to participate in innovative…

Summarizes a study applying a focus interviewing technique to assist stakeholders with evaluating a 3-day staff-development training with monthly follow up sessions. Contrasts use of surveys and focus-group interviews as assessment tools. New information gained from focus groups helped the principal identify weaknesses in the staff-development…

The benefits of school uniforms far outweigh their short-term costs. School uniforms not only keep students safe, but they increase their self-esteem, promote a more positive attitude toward school, lead to improved student behavior, and help blur social-class distinctions. Students are allowed to wear their own political or religious messages,…