As schools, families, and communities begin to come together, everyone benefits. A mother who teaches her son's class about traditional uses of native plants passes on important cultural knowledge and builds her own public speaking skills. A science class that tests the water quality at a nearby reservoir learns about local environmental issues,…

For many schools, the idea of involving families actively in the decision-making and implementation efforts needed for school improvement is intimidating. As can been seen in the "School Snapshot" school leaders play a key role in creating a school culture in which parental involvement is not only accepted but also valued. Schools are now publicly…

Current research reveals that schools, families, and communities need strong leadership if they are going to shift away from the traditional models of involvement in which school personnel dominate the interactions. When school leaders create conditions that foster collaborative relationships among the school, families, and the community, the…