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.
They can provide guidance for families on setting realistic expectations, monitoring and helping with homework. And selecting appropriate books and learning materials. Unfortunately, many partnerships are developed with little or no teacher input. The fleeting teacher-parent conferences traditionally held during open houses don't contribute much. Make your school family-friendly.