They are patterns of behavior and communication which invite contributions, assistance and suggestions. They suggest shared ownership and responsibility. They make it difficult for anybody to resist participation. They embrace and include. Bailing out is not countenanced.
Withholding is frowned upon.
This broad involvement does not mean an end to differing or the enforcement of ideology, but it does mean commitment to constructive action. Recognizing that broad, positive involvement of parents represents a major shift in the scripts or long established patterns of most schools, a school council may not count on this occurring automatically. It is necessary to structure frequent opportunities for communication and involvement. To achieve this goal, the definition of schooling must be broadened and altered to be more embracing of adults. In Comer's successful efforts, the school became a community center which welcomed and involved adults well into most evenings.