School-initiated activities to change the home educational environment can strongly influence student learning, even in schools serving low-income and minority families. This sourcebook shows various ways that schools can take the initiative in reaching out and working with families as equal partners; and explores how family life, school programs, teacher practices, and district policies can help build home-school partnerships for learning. The following five workshops give urban educators new data and strategies for working with parents of elementary school students in kindergarten through grade 6: (1) "Families as Learning Environments"; (2) "School Programs and Practices"; (3) "Communication Skills and Strategies"; (4) "Homework and Home Learning Activities"; and (5) "School District Policies and Supports for Home-School Partnerships." The workshops emphasize home-school partnerships, home learning activities (homework, leisure reading, family discussions, and other home activities that supplement and reinforce schoolwork), home learning environments, and family strengths. Each workshop contains a leader's guide (a workshop overview, notes on needed preparations, background information, and ways of conducting each workshop activity), transparency masters, and a workbook for participants. An appendix presents information on further strategies to reach and involve parents; Federal Government programs; and information about urban families of diverse nationalities and different racial and ethnic backgrounds; and annotated lists of readings and resource organizations. (RLC)