This monograph offers middle grades educators recommendations for increasing the involvement of family members in school-related programs and activities. Introductory material describes the earlier work of the National Middle School Association in fostering parent involvement. Next, the monograph describes reasons for encouraging such involvement, highlighting such benefits as improved student academic performance, closer relations among family members, and improved relations between home and school and school and community. The next section reviews recent research on parent and family involvement, covering types of involvement, parent attitudes and practices, educators' attitudes and practices, barriers to parent and family involvement, and effects of such involvement. After discussing the instructional and support roles family members can play, the monograph underscores the importance of good communication and recommends 11 ways that educators can communicate with families. The next section presents 10 steps in establishing an effective program: (1) conduct a needs assessment; (2) select a program coordinator; (3) match needs and resources; (4) educate school personnel about the value of family and community volunteers; (5) recruit volunteers; (6) orient and train volunteers; (7) assess the program and make adjustments; (8) develop ongoing ways of recognizing the contributions of volunteers and staff; (9) maintain a high profile in the community; and (10) conduct regular formal evaluation. Short descriptions of Florida's Red Carpet Schools Program and Wisconsin's Families in Education Program are provided, as well as a list of 69 related resources and 26 organizations. (AC)