Handbook helps parents work with school cover of book for art OF CONSUMING INTEREST

"Improving Your Child's Education: A Handbook for Working With Schools," by Chris Dougherty, Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists, 1604 Nueces Street, Austin, Texas, 78071, 512-478-2028 or 800-375-1711.

An informative reference, this book is designed to be a tool that enables parents to know what to expect from their child's school and how to help if there are academic difficulties. The author speaks to parents in clear, understandable terms, and summarizes points with checklists at the end of each chapter. Some checklist titles include, "Keep Track of Your Child's Academic Progress," "Parent-Child Communication," "Parent-Teacher Conferences," "Academic Standards," "Before the School Visit" and "During the School Visit."

Like many sources directed at parental involvement in education, this book offers a wealth of information on current trends in education, teaching methods and child development at any age or grade level. The writing is more narrative than descriptive. Because it is intended as a handbook, parents should choose the sections that correspond to their interests and needs.

-- Susan Rapp, director Village Reading Center

Pub Date: 7/22/98