"How can schools and families work together to raise the bar for student performance? What is the optimal role for families in educational problem solving and decision making? This practical volume is designed to help school practitioners and educators build positive connections with families and enhance student achievement in grades K-12. Beyond simply getting parents involved in schoolwork, the book describes processes by which professionals and parents can work together collaboratively to socialize and support young people as learners. Provided are research-based strategies and tools - including a useful self-assessment inventory - to help professionals both evaluate school-home connections that are currently in place and develop new, more productive practices." "Providing a theoretical framework for school-family collaboration, the book spells out the proven benefits for student learning and development. The book identifies four critical process variables that underlie strong partnerships - approach, attitudes, atmosphere, and actions - and guides practitioners in evaluating these variables in their own programs and schools. Examined are key pathways by which professionals and parents can develop common goals for learning and behavior, a shared sense of accountability, better communication, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. Case examples, exercises, and discussion questions in every chapter help readers gain a deeper understanding of how the concepts presented can be applied in both individual- and system-level interventions." "This is a resource for school-based practitioners, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, and special education consultants; clinical child psychologists; inservice and preservice teaches; and school administrators. It will serve as a text in courses on school consultation, building home-school partnerships, parent counseling, and parent education."--Jacket.