This document is the first of a series of four developed to provide a comprehensive overview of parent involvement, encompassing the family, parenting needs, and existing resources, in addition to current parent education approaches and practices. This "Overview" is a panoramic scan of Parent involvement programs, including child-rearing practices. Divided into three sections, it addresses the basis for parent involvement, what it consists of, and what can be expected in the future. It includes a discussion of how parents and child-rearing practices have influenced the development of parenting and parent education programs. An analysis of numerous parent program models is presented, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, critical issues and needs that parent involvement should address as we move toward the next century are examined. The Overview is intended to serve as an introduction for educators, including parent educators, who are working with parents. Through the information provided, insights into program planning and development are given. Two significant issues are raised: parents are neglected as resources; and neither parents nor educators involved with parents are viewed as adult learners. (KC)