This chapter presents background information and guidelines for two research-based approaches for increasing family involvement in students’ education. These practical programs were designed, implemented, and evalu- ated to help educators see that they may focus comprehensively on explicit school improvement goals to improve student learning.

• TIPS Interactive Homework increases family engagement with students at home in positive conversations about interesting topics that students learn in class. Ten purposes of homework and the components of an effective interactive homework process are discussed.
• TIPS Volunteers in Social Studies and Art increases family and community involvement at school by organizing volunteers to present prints of art masterpieces that are linked to social studies units to increase students’ art appreciation and critical thinking.

No slides or activities from this chapter are on the Handbook CD.

Visit www.partnershipschools.org and click on Teachers Involve Parents in Schoolwork (TIPS) for guide- lines, sample activities, blank forms for developing assignments, and research summaries.