Presents ideas to engage parents in the school community. This book contains strategies for building bridges between school and families. It provides ways to welcome parents as vital members of the school community; sustain ongoing communication with families; include parents in school governance; and, develop parent volunteer programs.

'This very accessible book is filled with practical, doable activities and ideas that will enhance the learning of students by involving parents in a respectful, meaningful, and productive ways' - Judy Chapman, District Principal, Curriculum Instruction & Assessment, School District GBP34, Abbotsford, BC 'Dr. Boult has written the ultimate guide for helping school administrators and teachers create an effective partnership with parents. Any educational stakeholder (parent, teacher, administrator) will benefit from its content' - Connie Brownell, Teacher, Lester B. Pearson School Board, Montreal, QC Would you like to see children score significantly higher on reading tests? Stay in school longer? Excel in academics? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you're not alone! These goals, obtainable and achievable, are directly linked to parent involvement. By taking a committed role in their children's education, parents make a direct, positive impact on academic achievement. With decades of research to support this claim, 176 Ways to Involve Parents, Second Edition, presents ready-to-use ideas to fully engage parents in the school community.Containing numerous new strategies for building bridges between school and families, this updated edition provides practical ways to: o Welcome parents as vital members of the school community o Sustain ongoing communication with families o Include parents in school governance o Develop parent volunteer programs o Foster shared ownership of the educational process By including parents as educational partners, schools can create a rich environment that fosters positive student self-esteem and academic success.

Preface Publisher's Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction 1. Making It Happen Starting the School Year Supporting the Whole Family Creating Safe Havens for Students Recruiting Volunteers Meeting the Needs of Volunteers Training Volunteers Developing Staff Placing and Supporting Volunteers Acknowledging Volunteers 2. Creating the Climate Projecting a Positive Image Marketing the Message Using Technology to Communicate Communicating Effectively Creating the Context for Change 3. Sustaining the Involvement Celebrating Diversity Using Community Resources Developing Community Relationships Promoting Learning Across the Curriculum Building Character Talking Person to Person Fundraising 4. Venturing Beyond the Bake Sale Establishing Connections Cross-Fertilizing Ideas Fostering Effective Advisory Councils Developing Parent Capacity District Initiatives: Setting the Example Resources References Index