“The issues raised in this book are compelling and should entice researchers to join this exciting and important agenda.”
—From the Foreword by Joyce L. Epstein, Director, National Network of Partnership Schools, Johns Hopkins University

“A great book for all interested in building school–family partnerships that promote children's school and life success.”
—Heather B. Weiss, Director, Harvard Family Research Project

“A major contribution to the field.”
—Anne T. Henderson, Senior Consultant, Institute for Education and Social Policy, New York University

“I recommend this book to anyone concerned with our children's future.”
—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

In this groundbreaking volume, the most influential leaders in the field provide essential information to better understand and improve the nature and quality of school–family partnerships for the benefit of all children. These experts examine the various aspects and effects of parental involvement not only on children’s academic achievement, but also on their social and emotional development. Featuring a comprehensive multidimensional framework, the text addresses critical issues facing families and educators, developmental considerations, cultural perspectives, and policy issues. Each chapter includes recommendations to help educators, parents, and policymakers create and sustain successful partnerships to support children’s development.

Contents & Contributors

1. Introduction: Enhancing the Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning of Children, Evanthia N. Patrikakou, Roger P. Weissberg, Sam Redding, and Herbert J. Walberg
2. Critical Issues Facing Families and Educators, Sandra L. Christenson, Yvonne Godber, and Amy R. Anderson
3. Parents’ Motivations for Involvement in Their Children’s Education, Kathleen V. Hoover-Dempsey, Joan M. T. Walker, and Howard M. Sandler
4. Influences and Challenges to Better Parent–School Collaborations, Pamela E. Davis-Kean and Jacquelynne S. Eccles
5. Intercultural Considerations in School-Family Partnerships, Luis M. Laosa
6. School-Family Influences on the Social and Emotional Well-Being of African-American Students, Ronald D. Taylor
7. Parental Involvement and Children’s School Success, Arthur J. Reynolds and Melissa Clements
8. Federal Education Initiatives, Oliver C. Moles
9. The State’s Role in Family–School Relationships, Sam Redding and Pamela Sheley
10. Preparing Educators for School–Family Partnerships, Nancy F. Chavkin
11. Conclusion: Dimensions and Recommendations, Evanthia N. Patrikakou, Roger P. Weissberg, Sam Redding, and Herbert J. Walberg

Evanthia N. Patrikakou is a Professor at DePaul University’s School of Education and Director of the School-Family Partnership program. Roger P. Weissberg is a Professor of Psychology and Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Sam Redding is the Executive Director of the Academic Development Institute. Herbert J. Walberg is Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Stanford University and Emeritus University Scholar at the University of Illinois at Chicago.