Thoroughly updated, the second edition of this text profiles today's American families and examines the special relationship among them, their children's schools, and their communities. Through an ecological, systems approach, the authors explore the family as a child's “first teacher.” They provide a wealth of strategies for involving parents and other family members in a child's education, and address the increasing diversity of the American family in regard to structure, culture, and lifestyle. Additionally, coverage addresses advocacy, assessment of family strengths and weaknesses, and the unique challenges of working with families of children with special needs.