This can only occur if the principal takes an active lead. Schools making progress toward higher achievement for all almost always have a principal who has reached out, assumed some risks, and taken the initiative toward building better communication and collaboration with families and community agencies. Each needs the help of the others in formal and informal structures. Developing effective partnerships is a democratic process. Partnerships should recognize the different interests, races, religions, and educational status of its participants, and should be prepared to resolve conflicts through the democratic processes of mediation, negotiation, and compromise.
Effective partnerships provide a variety of opportunities.
A comprehensive program of partnerships will include such elements as parent education, family support, volunteer activities, good communication, opportunities to participate in decision making, and strategies that foster children's learning at home and in the community. There are a number of good resources, several of which are included in the box below. From many years of research and studies of school-family partnerships, I offer the following five recommendations to help principals build partnerships with families and the community. Look first to your teachers. Teachers are the most important link in the success of any partnership effort.