“JoBeth Allen’s new book is the one we educators most need for 21st-century schools. . . . This isn’t about getting families to do school at home; it’s about bringing homes and neighborhoods into the language and literacy activities and learning inquiries in schools.”
—From the Foreword by Katherine Bomer, educational consultant and Randy Bomer, The University of Texas at Austin

“What I love about this book is how JoBeth blends research with excellent, practical advice. Every page is packed with interesting, insightful, and innovative ideas about how to deepen the relationship between the school and its families, and focus it on learning. If all schools could put these ideas into play, I have no doubt that children’s reading achievement would soar.”
—Anne T. Henderson, Annenberg Institute for School Reform

Nearly every reform effort espouses the importance of “parent involvement.” This research-based guide is essential reading for teachers and administrators who want to make welcoming classrooms a reality. With a focus on literacy instruction, it showcases stories of “what works” when teachers in elementary school classrooms throughout the country partner with families across cultural and language differences. The author showcases effective strategies that educators can adapt to fit their own school communities. This book is perfect for professional study groups, parent–teacher discussions, and whole-school workshops.

This follow-up to JoBeth Allen’s bestselling Creating Welcoming Schools:

JoBeth Allen is a professor of Language and Literacy Education at the University of Georgia, who works closely with schools. She codirects the Red Clay Writing Project.

Download free Supplementary Materials here.

For more books in the Practitioner’s Bookshelf series, go to http://www.tcpress.com/pb_series.html.