FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITIES: TOGETHER FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, 5th Edition, emphasizes the role of families and communities in children's education, and is geared to meeting national standards in teacher preparation programs. Content reflects current research and best practices in education. The first section, which presents a strong theoretical and research foundation, provides an understanding of family diversity and contemporary issues facing families with young children. This section also addresses the understanding of family systems, family stress, and the responsibilities of parenthood. The application section emphasizes skills and dispositions that pre-service and in-service teachers are expected to develop in relation to building partnerships. These skills include effective interpersonal communication, forming a family-based philosophy of education, parent and family life education topics and strategies, and community involvement. New content includes integration of current standards and a new video feature as well as expanded material on diversity, advocacy, technology, and strategies for dealing with parents.