Analysis of values, values transmission, human development, and Catholic social theory can increase effectiveness of parental involvement in Catholic education. Values are interpreted to include fundamental criteria which give meaning and order to life. Although values are transmitted by numerous sources including the family, social groups, religious institutions, and schools, religious and secular research indicates that parents are the primary educators of their children. Catholic parents will be more effective as values transmitters if they familiarize themselves with Catholic social theory and with values research. Catholic social theory stresses the need for organizations of Catholic parents to work closely with religious education programs. Secular research organizations provide information about values transmission from the perspective of modern social science. Parents must also realize that participation in their childrens' education will change as their children develop from total dependence at birth to relative independence at maturity. The conclusion is that Catholic parents can become more effectively involved in education if they form coalitions with like-minded parents and community members, encourage plurality of thought and action within coalitions, familiarize themselves with Catholic social thought, and become informed about values research. (DB)