The Salt Lake City School District, Utah, has successfully involved the public in school improvement through cooperation with the local parent teacher associations (PTA). Four main beliefs foster district collaboration with the PTA: (1) the PTA can provide valuable human resources to public schools, (2) the PTA can participate in the decision-making process, (3) the PTA can make a difference in quality education, and (4) the PTA can positively influence the lives of children. These beliefs have allowed the PTA groups within the district to develop innovative school improvement programs at the elementary and secondary levels. The most difficult element in developing these active PTA programs was overcoming traditional beliefs that educators are experts and parents have little to offer schools. Four things are necessary to revise these traditional attitudes. First, a philosophy of cooperation must be communicated by the district. Second, the district must provide structures for the reform of these attitudes. Third, training in new skills must be provided, and finally, success must be rewarded. Once the benefits of active parental and community involvement in the schools become apparent, the barriers break down. (MD)