Chapter 1 legislation provides additional resources to schools with a certain percentage of low-income students to help ensure that all children learn. Calls on parents and legal service advocates to take an active role in ensuring accountability for Chapter 1's application in schools, and provides questions to help parents better understand and…

The relationship between schools and parents is examined. The absence of parent involvement is explained by the institutional character of most schools and the lack of effort by parents and schools. Schools must create more opportunities for parent involvement in vital issues such as decision making and the evaluation of principals. (VM)

Reviews four lessons for parents and teachers using research to advocate for change: (1) research that changes schools does not belong to academics alone; (2) action research can raise important new issues; (3) advocacy supported by research is empowering; and (4) action research requires persistent activity over time. (SLD)

Illustrates how teacher action research can be the ammunition for teacher advocacy and the cornerstone of empowerment through the example of the New York City Accountability Project. The goal of the project is to support teachers' efforts to introduce better assessment strategies that support instruction. (SLD)

Through means such as parent choice, participation in a home visitor program, and work with a church group, "hard to reach" parents can become involved in the following aspects of education: (1) decision-making; (2) home-school coordinated activities; (3) advocacy; (4) school support; and (5) parent education and support. (BJV)