This document addresses the growing need for families and educators to undertake new partnerships in order to prepare children to become successful learners throughout school. Intended for pre-kindergarten through third grade educators and other school personnel interested in developing effective family involvement strategies, programs, and partnerships, this document is designed to take educators through a self-evaluation process that facilitates understanding about continuing changes in the lives of children and families. The document is divided into four sections: (1) "Family Participation in Education," discussing changing demographics in children and families; (2) "Setting the New Vision," focusing on building family and school partnerships; (3) "Successful Programs and Practices," including criteria for selection and descriptions of 12 programs; and (4) "Resources," including a sample letter to families, sample parent checklist, strategies for soliciting family input, funding resources, tips for communicating with potential funders, sample cover letter, and a list of educational organizations. Contains 61 references. (BGC)