“…The few studies that have been done on parental involvement in local educational networks, for instance, relate it to the adoption of local educational reforms (Kahne et al, 2001;Smith and Wohlstetter, 2001). Ties with public, for-profit, and nongovernmental organizations have been recognized as a major source JEA 46,1 of the resources, expertise, and governmental and market recognition needed for the establishment of charter schools (Brown et al, 2004;Wohlstetter et al, 2004). Moreover, parental involvement in community activity, which creates ties with powerful institutions, is associated with increased political power (Wohlstetter et al, 2004).…”