This handbook is a guide and recourse of strategies, tips, and how-to-do’s for parents/caregivers, teachers, and school leaders. The author provides topics in the handbook that addresses parent involvement/engagement and its effect on academic achievement and school success, the benefits of parent involve/engagement and its impact, role of parents with their child’s/children’s education, a listing of selected easy-to-do games and instructional activities to develop and nurture self-esteem, self-confidence, resilience, and perseverance (Power Tools) to ensure school and life success.

This book has tips/recommendations for not only parents/caregivers, but also for teachers and school leaders. When the home, school, and community form a viable partnership, all youth thrive and reach their potential. As an added feature of the handbook, includes brief explanations of the roles of key school personnel, general school policies, procedures, and regulations to demystify schooling to minimize misperceptions and increase positive relationships. Additionally, although the handbook is a resource all parents/caregivers in general, a chapter is included and devoted to the parents/caregivers of special needs children and discusses/shares strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of Individualized Education Program ( I.E.P.) meetings. There are also suggestions and recommendations for teachers and school leaders to participate as viable members of I.E.P. team members.

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Drawing on more than 40 years of education experience, Sapp offers guidance to help caregivers develop a proactive role in their children’s education; she advises them to connect with schools; learn the rationale behind school rules, procedures, and policies; and navigate the educational system when the need arises. The final chapter describes activities aimed at boosting self-confidence, self-esteem, resiliency, and perseverance—all of which play a crucial role in academic success.