Describes how one school involved children and the community in a reading program designed to illustrate that reading is an enjoyable activity. (FL)

Describes an "educational evening out," an idea materialized when parents expressed interest in reading during their first-quarter conferences with teachers. Notes that the parents showed so much interest in learning how to read with their children at home that the teachers made plans to have a literacy night in their first-grade classroom. (SG)

Points out that a potentially serious flaw in many school-based programs lies in the fact that these programs are often for rather than by parents. Suggests that parents be included in the conceptualization, planning, and implementation of such programs. (MG)

Describes an inner-city parent involvement program based on research showing that when parents provide extra reading instruction at home their children's reading performance improves. Reports on an evaluation of the program that showed significant reading achievement gains for children enrolled in it. (FL)