Examples of effective parent and citizen involvement in schools throughout the United States are cited. Actions include a ruling in Boston that parent groups have a right to monitor classrooms in that city; a new collective bargaining law which provides open access to information about the agenda and content of collective bargaining; and the creation of an Office of Parent Involvement in the new Department of Education. Also, several research studies indicate that parent and citizen involvement have beneficial effects. Several states have taken initiatives to foster citizen participation through mandating local advisory councils at the school building level. Community development programs have enlisted strong grass roots support to work on local problems. Many schools have initiated collaborative decision-making sessions which bring together educators, administrators, teachers, and parents. Citizens have also organized to reverse public policy they find damaging to their interest. Finally, community education programs have moved beyond adult education and recreation to becoming actively involved in community problems. (KC)