Two decades of research show that parental involvement is associated with greater student achievement, improved parent and student attitudes toward education, and additional parent participation in other school activities. These conclusions are applicable to students at all educational levels and from diverse social and economic backgrounds. Aware of parental participation benefits, schools are exploring creative ways to involve parents directly in the learning process. This Bulletin explores parents' involvement in their children's education, combining research references with reports on individual school practices. Chapter 1 provides supportive research findings on parental involvement and explores James Coleman and Thomas Hoffer's "social capital" theory. Chapter 2 discusses programs for preschool, elementary, and high school children and their parents that positively affect student achievement levels. Chapter 3 concentrates on two academic programs ("Reading Is Fundamental" and "Family Math") that teach parents how to become more effective partners in their children's education. The final chapter presents conclusions and recommendations for parents, teachers, school boards, and state boards of education. Included is an appendix with program names and addresses, a bibliography of 33 references, and 15 interviews. (MLH)