This chapter on collaborating with families is taken from a guide to designing, implementing, and evaluating instruction and services for students with disabilities. The chapter provides information abut values-based, family-centered programs that will involve all families and improve education programs and student outcomes. The tone is meant to be supportive of both school and home. The chapter discusses what collaboration with families involves, what the families' rights and responsibilities are in the educational process, and why new ideas and models are needed for collaborating with increasingly diverse families. It presents strategies, ideas, and guidelines for developing value-based, family-centered education and encourages respect for others' values, rights, and beliefs. It analyzes reasons why family members are not involved in the schools, offers strategies for improving meeting and conference outcomes, and describes the role of parent resource centers. Checklists address components of collaboration for professionals and families, improving school-family interactions, bridges and barriers to school-home communication, and strategies for involving families. (Contains 34 references.) (JDD)