Parents Are Lifesavers : A Handbook for Parent Involvement in Schools

"Offers a practical path to new partnerships between schools and parents. Such life-saving partnerships are essential if we are to serve our children and our future." From the Foreword by Richard C. Benjamin Director Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools "Mrs. Batey's enthusiasm for involving parents is infectious." Everett A. Hanner, Principal Brick Church Metro Middle School of Nashville and Davidson County "Batey delivers a concise, fresh look at successful, broad-based community/school collaborations. Every school should have a copy of this important work." Claudia Smith, Project Director Wayne County Partners in Education Foundation and Mentoring Program Jesup, Georgia The literature on reform and restructuring often calls for increasing parents' participation as a way to maximize schools' effectiveness. But, as you well know, that is a challenging task. This book contains the real, down-to-earth skills and tips you need to turn parents into active, sharing participants in their children's education. Batey provides you with step-by-step guidelines for getting parents involved in your school and your classrooms. You'll learn proven techniques that encourage participation by all, including the "hard-to-reach" parents. Written by a parent who's been there, this new workbook gives you: Outlines for use by school professionals or parents Sample volunteer forms Sample donation letters Parent and staff surveys Teacher improvement plans for parental involvement A "wish list" request form, and more! If you want to motivate parents to become working partners at your school, this book is for you.