Keys to reengaging families in the education of young adolescents

Noting that the involvement of parents and family members in the education of their children at school and in the home is one of the keys to children's success in school, this monograph focuses on ways to include various family members in the education of young adolescents. The monograph is intended as a guide for an effective, comprehensive family involvement program. Following an introduction providing a research-based rationale for family involvement, detailing definitions and key concepts in family involvement, and depicting a multi-faceted family involvement model, the monograph is organized in six sections: (1) "Families as Decision Makers and Advocates"; (2) "Families and Schools as Communicators"; (3) "Families as Learners"; (4) "Families as Teachers and Coaches"; (5)"Families as Supporters, Volunteers, and Audience"; and (6) "Family, School, and Community as Partners." Each section presents the key concept, expected outcomes, and keys to implementation. Also included are self-assessments for the schools, worksheets, surveys, and sample guidelines. Appended are descriptions of six categories of family involvement. (Contains 41 references.) (KB)