Chapter 12: Mapping Family–School Partnership Programs Through Theories of Action and Logic Models¹

Increasing attention is being given to parent education programs offered by intermediary organizations (Annenberg Institute on Public Engagement for Public Education, 1998; Gonzalez & Chrispeels, 2005; Henderson, Jacob, Kernan-Schloss & Raimondo, 2004; Lopez, Kreider & Coffman, 2005; Mediratta et al., 2008). As Henderson et al. (2004) pointed out, the work of these groups ranges from education to advocacy to organizing. These organizations usually offer their programs in collaboration with schools. The organizations provide the curriculum and instructor, and the school informs the parents about the workshops and supplies childcare and meeting space. Some of these intermediary organizations have broadened their curriculum beyond basic parent education and parent involvement practices to encompass leadership development. Themes addressed can include parent organizing, strategic planning, action research, public dialogue and debate, and shared decision-making (Annenberg, 1998; Mediratta et al., 2008).