Schools' Programs and Progress in the National Network of Partnership Schools

In 1996, the National Network of Partnership Schools began working with 202 schools to build comprehensive programs of school, family, and community partnerships. During the spring of 1997, all school members joining before December 1996 were asked to complete an end-of-year survey called UPDATE. On the basis of an analysis of 1997 UPDATE data, the author reported key findings about the programs and progress of those schools. Findings underscore the importance of 5 ingredients for successful partnership program development: (a) an active and supportive Action Team for School, Family, and Community Partnerships, (b) appropriate funding, (c) time, (d) guidance, and (e) leadership. How the National Network can better guide districts, states, and schools in creating the programs of partnership that bring families, schools, and communities together for students' academic, social, and personal growth and development is discussed.