Schools and Families ― Creating Essential Connections for Learning

How can schools and families work together to raise the bar for student performance? What is the optimal role for families in educational problem solving and decision making? This practical volume is designed to help school practitioners and educators build positive connections with families and enhance student achievement in grades K-12. Beyond simply getting parents involved in schoolwork, the book describes processes by which professionals and parents can work together collaboratively to socialize and support young people as learners. Grounded in theory and research, the book features case examples, self-reflective exercises, and discussion questions in every chapter. Provided are strategies and tools--including a useful self-assessment inventory--to help professionals both evaluate school-home connections that are currently in place and develop new, more productive practices.