• Recognize that all caregivers—regardless of income, education, or cultural background—are involved in their children’s learning and want their children to do well.
• Design programs that will support families to guide their children’s learning, from preschool through high school.
• Develop the capacity of school staff to work with families.
• Combine efforts with the community and local schools to engage families and foster student learning.
• Build families’ social and political connections.

• Focus efforts to engage families and community members on developing trusting and respectful relationships.
• Embrace a philosophy of partnership and be willing to share power with families. Make sure that caregivers, school staff, and community members understand that the responsibility for children’s educational development is a collaborative enterprise.
• Build strong connections between schools and community organizations.
• Include families in all strategies to reduce the achievement gap among white, middle-class students and low-income children and children of color.

(Henderson & Mapp, 2002)