ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book explains major innovation of parental choice and its consequences for schools. It reviews the effects of open enrolment in Scotland, drawing on two major research studies by teams in Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, to suggest that increasing inequality of provision has been the result. The book highlights the 'gulf of misunderstanding' between ethnic minority parents and teachers and points out that racial and cultural differences add an extra dimension to home-school relationships. It discusses the role of parents as governors and sees possibilities of parent governors providing 'new recruits to the active citizenry', thereby strengthening local democracy. Challenge to traditional notions of home-school partnership is also evident in the pilot schemes and experiments in home-school projects that are taking place in various parts of Britain. Whether as customers, managers or partners, parents have an important role to play in their children's schooling.
