This kit was developed for educators and other professionals who are working to increase family involvement in education. It outlines strategies for involving fathers in children's learning at home, at school, and in the community.

The kit includes speaker notes and overheads, a list of publications and on-line resources on family involvement, and a video clip and discussion guide from the October 28, 1999 broadcast "Fathers Matter!" which was produced by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Though not available on-line, you can order the video from the Department's ED Pubs On-Line Ordering System.

Also included is the Department of Education publication A Call to Commitment: Fathers' Involvement in Children's Learning, a comprehensive discussion of current research on fathers' involvement, strategies for improvement, and model programs that are engaging fathers in their children's education.

These materials are useful to pre-service/in-service training and professional development coordinators and as a "just add water" packet. We encourage each organization to add its own information and examples to the kit and to use any or all of the kit contents as appropriate. The kit itself is meant to be used to kick off a discussion, or a series of discussions, on fathers' involvement in children's learning and family involvement in education.

Please note that the resource organizations listed in this kit have additional programs and materials that support family involvement in education and involving fathers in children's learning. These too may be useful to your efforts.