Although data directly linking parental engagement with positive results is limited, administrators, teachers, and parent cite anecdotal evidence--and some numbers about test scores and attendance from individual schools--to affirm the effectiveness of engagement programs. Meanwhile, researchers are studying the keys to successful programs and bringing the results to the attention of educators. Researchers have found that successful parental engagement programs can boost students' reading skills and test scores, improve school attendance, and engage parents of different culture who might be unfamiliar with and intimidated by how U.S. schools function. While administrators generally welcome parental engagement, it can make them uneasy when groups representing special interests extend their involvement to aggressive advocacy with senior administrators and school boards. This article discusses several characteristics of parental engagement programs and policies. (Contains 4 online resources.)