When families, schools and communities work together in partnership, students hear that school is important from their parents, from teachers and from community leaders and they perceive that caring people in all three environments are investing time and resources to help them succeed. Although said in jest, there is some truth within.
Partnerships take time and energy to create.
Building partnerships requires building relationships. This entails first asking others what is important to them. Forming partnerships does not necessarily mean that families must be physically present at the school. Working parents are no less concerned about their child's education but only have so much time and energy to go around. Families want to be informed about instructional programs and progress and how to help at home.