What can families without college experience do to make sure their own children go to college? Focus groups were held at Charles A. Lindbergh Middle School in Long Beach to study this question.
The teacher group that participated consisted of six pioneers - teachers who were themselves the first in their families to graduate from college.
The result is a brochure for families that is available to teachers across the nation who work with urban, low-income and multicultural populations.
The author avoids the typical condescending advice from schools to families, and tries to understand the attitudes and perceptions of the parents and students who will read it.
Among the suggestions for parents are: Answer a child's questions. Believe in the child. Encourage self-determination. Turn off the television. Dig deeper to find out what the child's real concerns are.
For a copy, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Helen Cox, Librarian, The Reading Room, Charles A. Lindbergh Middle School, 1022 E. Market St., Long Beach, CA 90805.
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