However, more opportunities for meaningful involvement are needed, and many barriers still remain. In particular, teachers and principals continue to struggle with how to involve parents in supporting all students' high achievement. During 1998, the Public Education Network forged a partnership with Kraft Foods and member local education funds to explore key questions about family involvement. The result of this effort was the creation of a variety of local strategies to support high student achievement in low-income schools. The Kraft Foods initiative yielded a number of lessons and practices that can help other communities interested in designing successful initiatives.
Time is a precious resource for both parents and educators.
When planning workshops or other activities, take care of the basic needs of participants. Use multiple outreach strategies and contacts when you communicate with parents. Engage parents in substantive, complex issues in ways that respect what they know and assume that they can learn at high levels. Create a culture of support and inquiry using publicity, media strategies, and training workshops. In school settings, getting the support of the principal helps to emphasize the importance of the event or activity.