They are summarized here. Schools provide training and information to help families understand their children's development and how to support the changes they undergo. This includes the traditional phone calls, report cards, and parent conferences, as well as new information on topics such as school choice and making the transition from elementary school to higher grades. Communication must be in forms that families find understandable and usefulfor example, schools can use translators to reach parents who don't speak English welland it must be two- way, with educators paying attention to the concerns and needs of families.
Parents can make significant contributions to the environment and functions of a school.
Schools can get the most out of this process by creating flexible schedules, so more parents can participate, and by working to match the talents and interests of parents to the needs of students, teachers, and administrators. This opportunity should be open to all segments of the community, not just people who have the most time and energy to spend on school affairs. They also can help families and community groups provide services to the community, such as recycling programs and food pantries. For Further Information J.S. Coleman. Equality of Educational Opportunity.