ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on the challenges that arise for some types of involvement and for organizing comprehensive programs of school, family, and community partnerships. Partnerships can improve school programs and school climate, provide family services and support, increase parents' skills and leadership, connect families with others in the school and in the community, and help teachers with their work. If educators view students as children, they are likely to see both the family and the community as partners with the school in children's education and development. The Action Teams for Partnerships (ATP)—a committee of the school council or school improvement team—is dedicated to improving plans and practices of family and community involvement. The ATP guides the development of a comprehensive partnership program linked to school improvement goals for student success. Using the framework of six types of involvement, the ATP integrates all family and community connections that occur in the school in a single, unified plan and program.
