Reviews four lessons for parents and teachers using research to advocate for change: (1) research that changes schools does not belong to academics alone; (2) action research can raise important new issues; (3) advocacy supported by research is empowering; and (4) action research requires persistent activity over time. (SLD)

Presents profiles of the Parent-Teacher Action Research projects of seven schools in the national reform network, the League of Schools Reaching Out, and one in Spain. Each school is carrying out a family and community involvement project, and each has an action research team to collect information on program effects. (SLD)

Describes a cross-national action research project involving 8 schools in the United States and 11 schools in 5 other countries studying family-community-school partnerships and the policies or political contexts that shape, and are shaped by, them. Early results suggest the usefulness of action research in emerging dialog. (SLD)