Authors Anne Henderson and Karen Mapp reviewed more than 50 research studies published since 1995 to compile A New Wave of Evidence.
The synthesis shows that for parent involvement to have an impact on achievement, schools must link parent activities to student learning goals and be respectful of difference among families. Schools that succeed in engaging families from very diverse backgrounds:
* Focus on building trusting collaborative relationship among teachers, families, and community members * Recognize, respect, and address families’ needs, as well as their differences * Embrace a philosophy of partnership where power and responsibility are shared.
Link:
http://www.sedl.org/pubs/catalog/items/fam33.html