This booklet presents excerpts from a discussion by a panel of educators and policymakers brought together by the Academy for Educational Development (AED), an organization that addresses human development needs through education, communication, and information. Participants shared their experiences in creating opportunities and procedures which could increase the participation and involvement of the family and community in the education of children. The purpose of the discussion was to link the knowledge gleaned from work with disadvantaged student populations in the United States with the problems and solutions dealt with in international work in developing nations. The excerpts are arranged according to speaker and organization. Following an introduction by Sharon L. Franz of AED, participants in the program included: Sandra B. Jibrell (Annie E. Casey Foundation), moderator; and panelists Gayle Dorman (Lilly Endowment, Inc.); Samuel Rea (U.S. Agency for International Development); J. William Rioux (National Committee for Citizens in Education); Rafael Valdivieso (AED); and Adriaan Verspoor (World Bank). (LL)