Partnership
Epstein (1992) states that the term partnership "implies a formal alliance and contractual agreement to work toward shared goals and to share the profits or benefits of mutual investments" (p. 1). Ballen and Moles (1994) describe the essential elements of a successful partnership: "For a partnership to work, there must be mutual trust and respect, an ongoing exchange of information, agreement on goals and strategies, and a sharing of rights and responsibilities."
Funkhouser and Gonzales (1997) state:
"Successful partnerships are those that involve the sustained mutual collaboration, support, and participation of school staffs and families at home and at school, in activities and efforts that can directly and positively affect the success of children's learning and progress in school. Schools that have developed successful partnerships with parents view student achievement as a shared responsibility, and all stakeholders including parents, administrators, teachers, and community leaders play important roles in supporting children's learning."
Epstein (1995) adds that a foundation of trust and mutual respect enables partnerships to survive and grow in spite of the differing opinions of its members:
"Although the interactions of educators, parents, students, and community members will not always be smooth or successful, partnership programs establish a base of respect and trust on which to build. Good partnerships withstand questions, conflicts, debates, and disagreements; provide structures and processes to solve problems; and are maintained--even strengthened--after differences have been resolved." (p. 703)
