Unless families and communities are mobilized to help shape and support them, plans for reforms are not likely to succeed. Furthermore, most families are unaware that many of the elements of reform, particularly those targeted at improving learning for all, are required by federal or state laws, including a rich and challenging curriculum, well-qualified staff, strong staff development, effective individual assistance for students who need it to master high standards, and strong parent involvement in program planning and implementation. Schools mostly rely on traditional, low-impact forms of parent and community involvement, according to Urgent Message .
Teachers have neither the preparation nor the time to work closely with parents.
Moreover, schools are not using the research results that show when parents and communities link closely with schools and push for changes, student achievement improves. Urgent Message summarizes the discussions and findings of a national conference, held early in 1997, that brought together representatives from more than 40 community and education groups, national organizations and foundations. The promise will wither unless people know what to look for and have the tools to make it happen. It's about far more than new standards and tests. The conference and report were sponsored by the Danforth Foundation of St. Louis and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City.