This qualitative study examined one urban school's successful attempt to increase parental involvement. The phenomenon was examined from the parents' perspective in order to expand the current literature base, to inform schools, and to help them improve their practices. Key findings were that low-income and minority families are highly aware of school efforts to involve them. Parents acknowledged the necessity of positive principal leadership, relationship development, and a strong sense of community in their decisions to become involved.

Public schools are all faced with the challenge of educating a growing population of low-income and minority children. This population of children is often considered at-risk for poor educational outcomes. The involvement of parents in their children's education has long been credited with helping improve students' educational outcomes. More recently it has been shown that poor children of color especially benefit when their parents are involved. At the same time it has been documented that communication between the school and low-income minority families is decreasing.