Previous research indicates that, while parent involvement promotes student achievement, how teacher candidates are prepared to establish family-school partnerships (FSP) is not well documented and the roles of teacher educators are often neglected. Explorative studies including curriculum analysis and focus groups of primary and secondary teacher candidates and teacher educators were conducted in three universities, one each in the Netherlands, Belgium and the USA. Data collection was designed to identify opinions towards FSP and perceived preparation for FSP. The programmes showed limited attention to aspects other than communication and FSP was not assessed. The findings indicate training is largely dependent upon the proclivities of individual teacher educators. Although all respondents acknowledged the importance of FSP, respondents of primary education held a more positive attitude towards parents than others. Hardly any differences were found between the views of candidates and educators, regardless of the programme they followed or taught.

This mixed-methods study examined teacher preparation for developing family partnerships. The attitudes and practices of teacher educators and the attitudes and experiences of student teachers were explored in focus groups, documents, and a survey instrument. Results indicated that although partnerships were considered important by faculty and students, both groups were concerned with the difficulties teachers may experience with parents. The subject university is committed to diversity and requires a field experience in a multi-cultural community. Although teacher educators expressed strong concerns about teaching candidates to work with parents from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, they voiced doubts regarding their own ability to educate students regarding families from different cultures. The teacher candidates seemed relatively unaware of the importance of engaging diverse families in a partnership. There was evidence that, in the minds of student teachers, whatever problems existed were attributable to the parents. On an item about the beliefs of parent involvement, student teachers appear to have less positive views of diverse parents than do teacher candidates surveyed at the beginning of their preparation. Basically, candidates were focused on giving information to parents and not on creating reciprocal relationships. Results suggest that field experiences in culturally diverse settings are not enough and must be accompanied by class discussion. Graded assignments, and authentic experiences with opportunities to examine beliefs and attitudes toward families from diverse backgrounds in courses and field experiences are needed.

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