Research, policy, and practice in the field of school and family partnerships are reviewed; and practical ideas are offered to help educators move toward partnership. Important distinctions are drawn in approaches that avoid or promote full partnerships. Less than adequate approaches discussed are a protective model, a school-to-home transmission model, and a curriculum enrichment model. A better and more responsive approach, the "partnership model," is described. It is a concept of partnership that enables schools to implement a comprehensive program of school and family connections. Various practical suggestions are offered to help educators begin to build their programs of partnership. Emphasis is placed on two-way communication, parent-teacher conferences, and how schools and families support each other mutually. A final chapter outlines the following three approaches to partnership: (1) establishing a limited partnership for children's learning; (2) building a comprehensive partnership with networks for mutual support; and (3) restructuring schools for partnership and academic achievement. Five appendixes include a school profile, a family information form, parent surveys, suggested resources, and a transcript of a listening situation. Contains 186 references. (SLD)