This book is based on the premise that schools and parents need to work together for the social, emotional, cognitive and academic development of children. While the school provides a leadership model, parents act as reinforcers of learning and prime movers in their children's education. The authors emphasize throughout the book that parents and educators need to celebrate the pleasure of teaching. In clear and accessible language, this work presents theories on learning and human relations. It then charts and reviews the important components of a successful school-parent partnership, giving specific recommendations on the best way to involve diverse groups of parents. Chapters are: US Families in the Context of Change; The African American Experience in Family Context; The Hispanic American Experience in Famiy Context; The Asian American Experience in Family Context; Communities of Education: Concepts Defined; Empowerment for all Parents; Required: A Positive Self-Concept; Successful Schools: A Parents' and Educators' Partnership; Successful Students: Ability, Effort and Parental Involvement; Parents: First and Most Important Teachers; Recommendations for the Improvement of Parental School Involvement; Advocacy for School and Home Partnership; author and subject indexes. "The book supports the unique tasks of both parents and teachers while emphasizing the importance of collaboration to ensure children's successful school experiences. Included are chapters on issues unique to African-American, Hispanic and Asian American families. This book is rich in bibliographic and resource information." -- Center for the Study of Parent Involvement