Introduction

This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part reviews the changing roles of schools, community and family before focusing on the role schools and other social institutions can play in dealing with changes that have occurred in the family over the past century and a half. It traces the radical change in the character of childhood over the past 150-200 years and the resulting changes in the character of schooling. The part offers a framework for educators as they review present practices in developing comprehensive programs to involve school, family and community interaction. It describes school-family partnership as one of "productive connections of schools and families" that helps students "increase their academic skills, self-esteem, positive attitudes toward learning, independence, other achievements, accomplishments and other desired behaviors that are characteristic of successful students".