The Power of Partnerships Between Parents and Schools: a Comparative Analysis of Perception and Practice of Shared Decision-making in Title 1 Schools

Parent/guardian involvment, a historically important component in schooling, has gone through changes over the centuries. Now, and over the last several decades, the value of parents in their chidren's school experience is becoming more important for their (student) achievement in a time of accountability in a standards-based educational system. Research has shown a direct link between parent participation in schools (which can look very different from school to school) and student achievement. Unfortunately, time and knowledge are two factors that principals/school administrators do not always have due to their focus on academic accountability and other issues impacting schools today. This book describes a study that tells the story about the perceptions and actions principals and parents are taking at some sample schools. It also give suggestions for principals and parents to consider to overcome barriers and to strengthen the involvment and shared decision-making practices of parents in schools.