Opening School Doors to Communities and Families: A Social Capital Perspective for Multiparty Collaboration

Abstract

Multiparty collaboration is largely acknowledged as a best practice strategy for school counselors. Although collaboration among schools, families, and communities is seen as necessary for community change and systems transformation, policies and efforts to increase collaboration in and with schools are a step ahead of theory and research. This article introduces social capital theory as a lens for school counselors who are working to transform their communities through multiparty collaboration. Practical suggestions for strengthening collaborative practice and research on multiparty collaboration are offered.