This book examines historical approaches and current research and practice related to the education of adolescents placed at risk of school failure as a result of social and economic conditions. One major goal is to expand the intellectual exchange among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and concerned citizens on factors influencing the achievement of poor and minority youth, specifically students in middle and high schools. Another is to encourage increased dialogue about policies and practices that can make a difference in educational opportunities and outcomes for these students. Although the chapters in this volume are not exhaustive, they represent an array of theoretical and methodological approaches that provide readers with new and diverse ways to think about issues of educational equality and opportunity in the United States. A premise that runs through each chapter is that school success is possible for poor and minority adolescents if adequate support from the school, family, and community is available.
*The conceptual approach (Section I) places the research and practice on students placed at risk in a historical context and sets the stage for an important reframing of current definitions, research, policies, and practices aimed at this population.
*Multiple research methodologies (Sections II and III) allow for comparisons across racial and ethnic groups as well as within groups, and contribute to different and complementary insights. Section III, "Focus on African-American Students," specifically addresses gender and social class differences among African-American adolescents.
*Current reform strategies presently being implemented in schools throughout the United States are presented and discussed (Part IV). These strategies or programs highlight how schools, families, and communities can apply research findings like the ones this book presents, thus bridging the often wide gap between social science research and educational practice.

Originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk, this expanded text provides new insights into the successful, sustained implementation of Full-Service Community Schools (FSCSs) in the United States. Reviewing the Success of Full-Service Community Schools in the US documents the experiences of students, teachers, and communities involved in the establishment and growth of FSCSs. By considering how successful this reform strategy has been in meeting the needs of underserved communities, the text illustrates the potential these schools have to transform students' learning and outcomes. In particular, the studies illustrate the value these schools have in supporting low-income students and students of color. At the same time, by interrogating the defining pillars of FSCSs - expanded learning opportunities, integrated services, family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership - chapters identify challenges that if left unattended, could limit the transformative potential of this reform strategy. This groundbreaking text will be of great interest to graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, academics, professionals, and policy makers in the fields of Educational Change and School Reform, Multicultural Education, Sociology of Education, Education Policy, and School Management and Administration.

This is a must-have, research-based guide for all schools serving culturally diverse elementary and middle grade students and their communities. It's filled with fun, practical, highly effective strategies for raising awareness and engaging all families in their children's education - a sure path toward increased student success! Get detailed examples and step-by-step guidelines for implementing successful... Multicultural Family Nights Workshops for Parents Curriculum Connections Much of the reproducible material is also provided in Spanish - giving educators an even broader reach!

This is a must-have, research-based guide for all schools serving culturally diverse elementary and middle grade students and their communities. It's filled with fun, practical, highly effective strategies for raising awareness and engaging all families in their children's education - a sure path toward increased student success! Get detailed examples and step-by-step guidelines for implementing successful... Multicultural Family Nights Workshops for Parents Curriculum Connections Much of the reproducible material is also provided in Spanish - giving educators an even broader reach!

'Addresses specific populations that are often alienated by schools: fathers, parents of children with disabilities, and families of poverty. It provides a good overview of key research on the topic of family involvement in schools, its impact, and practices for obtaining involvement' -William Ruff, Assistant Professor Montana State University 'An excellent book. Each chapter opens with relevant research and presents suggestions for practical applications. I would buy this book for a task force or professional learning community' -Julie C. Burger, Principal Frederick Leighton Elementary School, Oswego, NY Research has shown that strong principal leadership is critical to developing effective school partnerships that include diverse school, family and community members. This book provides administrators with a clear road map for initiating partnership programs that are goal-focused, equitable, and sustainable. In this research-based resource, the authors highlight the work of principals who have cultivated successful partnerships across many settings to show other school leaders how they can develop the necessary supportive school cultures. Examining the administrator's role in the success and quality of home-school partnerships and student outcomes, this guidebook: - Synthesizes research on principal leadership, school and community partnerships, and urban education reform - Discusses the role of fathers in children's learning and working with families that live in poverty, are linguistically diverse, or have children with disabilities - Offers practical recommendations for evaluating and refining partnership programs to ensure they are linked with student achievement goals.

'Addresses specific populations that are often alienated by schools: fathers, parents of children with disabilities, and families of poverty. It provides a good overview of key research on the topic of family involvement in schools, its impact, and practices for obtaining involvement' -William Ruff, Assistant Professor Montana State University 'An excellent book. Each chapter opens with relevant research and presents suggestions for practical applications. I would buy this book for a task force or professional learning community' -Julie C. Burger, Principal Frederick Leighton Elementary School, Oswego, NY Research has shown that strong principal leadership is critical to developing effective school partnerships that include diverse school, family and community members. This book provides administrators with a clear road map for initiating partnership programs that are goal-focused, equitable, and sustainable. In this research-based resource, the authors highlight the work of principals who have cultivated successful partnerships across many settings to show other school leaders how they can develop the necessary supportive school cultures. Examining the administrator's role in the success and quality of home-school partnerships and student outcomes, this guidebook: - Synthesizes research on principal leadership, school and community partnerships, and urban education reform - Discusses the role of fathers in children's learning and working with families that live in poverty, are linguistically diverse, or have children with disabilities - Offers practical recommendations for evaluating and refining partnership programs to ensure they are linked with student achievement goals.

Based on five years of research, including feedback from hundreds of school leaders and case studies of elementary, middle, and high schools in rural, suburban, and urban U.S. cities, Building School-Community Partnerships: Collaboration for Student Success is a resource for teachers seeking to establish school-community partnerships to achieve goals for their schools, and the students, families, and communities they serve. Within this essential guide, school leaders will find: - essential research components for the busy administrator - real-life examples illustrating elements of strong partnerships - practical strategies based on what works from 10 model schools - an annotated professional development workshop agenda, including handouts - resources, including sample activities and letters Administrators looking for examples of effective school-community partnerships will find this research-based resource full of inspiring, practical, and feasible ideas!