ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews various universal family-school partnering (FSP) processes inherent in all universal FSP efforts that support the other tiers. It highlights essential characteristics of everyday home and school practices associated with these processes. These four universal processes can be viewed as the building blocks or the “core curriculum” of a successful home-school partnership. They are intended to build relationships, create welcoming settings, provide two-way communication, and educate partners. Strong FSP relationships are fostered by showing respect, taking the time to partner, and recognizing partnering efforts. Welcoming settings also recognize the variety of ways that families support a child’s education. Welcoming settings are created by addressing environmental factors and recognizing alternative ways that families support education. Two-way communication is promoted when a variety of communication options are available that stress the positive and encourage responses from all partners. Successful FSP thrives on timely, two-way communication in which information is equally shared between home and school.
