This chapter includes three articles summarizing the theory, research, and practical approaches that will help edu- cators develop and sustain excellent programs of school, family, and community partnerships at all school levels.

• The first article describes the framework of six types of involvement, identifies challenges that must be met to engage all families, and provides results of well-implemented programs of school, family, and community partnerships. It discusses an action team approach for developing comprehensive partner- ship programs.

• The second article presents an overview of how connections with the community can be organized in comprehensive partnership programs. It discusses the benefits that occur when home, school, and com- munity work together to support student learning and development.

• The third article summarizes research on the results of family and community involvement on student academic and behavioral outcomes. Goal-linked partnerships may improve results for students in read- ing, math, science, attendance, behavior, and other important indicators of student success in school.

Read Chapter 1 to gain a good background on the research that guides the work on partnership program development throughout this Handbook.

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

Visit www.partnershipschools.org and click on Research and Evaluation for additional research summaries and lists of publications.