Three factors over which parents exercise authority (student absenteeism, reading materials in the home, and television watching) explain nearly 90 percent of the difference in 8th grade math test scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Although math and science performance on the NAEP has improved in recent years, NAEP reading scores and Scholastic Aptitude Test verbal scores have remained flat. Reading depends more on learning activities in the home than math or science. Studies of individual families show that what the family does is more significant in student success than family income or education. Further, international comparisons demonstrate the high academic success of students from Asian countries, which many attribute to the priority their families give to education. Even though family involvement is important, many employed parents say they do not have enough time for their children. In addition, many parents indicate they would be willing to spend more time on school activities with their children if teachers gave them more guidance. Steps that families can implement at home are discussed, such as reading together, limiting television, establishing a daily family routine, scheduling daily homework times, monitoring out-of-school activities, communicating positive values and character traits, and expressing high expectations. School-family partnerships are examined, along with the role of community efforts to connect families and schools, family-friendly businesses, State actions to encourage family and school cooperation, and Federal policies that support family involvement in their children's education. 133 references and 5 figures