Critical Issue: Supporting Ways Parents and Families Can Become Involved in Schools

Joyce L. Epstein

Joyce L. Epstein, director of the Center on Families, Communities, Schools, and Children's Learning at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, comments on the positive results of a good partnership between schools and families. Excerpted from "Theory to Practice: School and Family Partnerships Lead to School Improvement and Student Success," by J.L. Epstein, 1994, in School, Family, and Community Interactions: A View from the Firing Lines, edited by C. Fagnano and B. Werber, Boulder, CO: Westview Press.

"There are many reasons for developing school, family and community partnerships. They can improve school programs and school climate, provide family services and support, increase parents' skills and leadership, connect families with others in the school and the community and help teachers with their work. However, the main reason to create partnerships, is to help all youngsters to succeed in school and in life. When families are involved, students here common messages from home and school about the importance of attending school, staying in school, and working hard as a student."

This Critical Issue was researched and written by Georgette Comuntzis-Page, adjunct assistant professor of journalism at West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, and a child-care specialist for the West Virginia University Extension Service.

Development and production of this Critical Issue was a collaborative effort of the Appalachia Educational Laboratory and the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.

Date posted: 1996