In addition to Sigel's work, you might want to look into the work of Baumrind,
Steinberg and others on parenting styles and their effect on children's school
achievement and learning. Also, there is some cross-cultural work both within
the US and across countries which explores the match or mismatch between the
types of interaction and discourse styles in the home (or culture) and those
typically found in school (i.e., Heath, Tharp, Jordan, Cazden, Au).
Good luck!.
Adam Winsler Phone: (205) 348-1182
Educational Psychology Fax: (205) 348-0683
College of Education Email: awinsler who-is-at bamaed.ua.edu
University of Alabama
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487