8. 1. Recognize that all parents, regardless of income, education level, or cultural background, are involved in their children’s learning and want their children to do well in school. 2. Create programs that will support families to guide their children’s learning, from preschool through high school. 3. Work with families to build their social and political connections.

9. 4. Develop the capacity of school staff to work with families and community members. 5. Link family and community engagement efforts to student learning. 6. Focus efforts to engage families and community members on developing trusting and respectful relationships.

10. 7. Embrace a philosophy of partnership and be willing to share power with families. Make sure parents, school staff, and community members understand that the responsibility for children’s educational development is a collaborative enterprise. 8. Build strong connections between schools and community organizations. 9. Design and conduct research that is more rigorous and focused, and that uses more culturally sensitive and empowering definitions of family involvement .

11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNApJnFw33M&feature=related

24. This story book is a great read for children learning about the world around them. It focuses on the many differenced and similarities in children everywhere. Readers travel around the globe from places such as the Philippines to Tanzania, China, Australia, Canada, Morocco and the U.S, India, Mexico, Japan, and Greece, while meeting children from each who help us learn about their culture.

25. A wonderful picture book for young ages that captures children from around the world joyfully engaging in common play type activities. “To be a kid means playing ball… running races… or playing a board games.” The overall message of the book enforces the message that the lives, needs, and goals of children the world over are different but similar.