Bridging the Gap
Children navigate constant transitions between home and school — two key learning environments guided by parents and teachers. Without a strong connection between them, students’ academic and behavioral needs can intensify and lead to long-term challenges.
TAPP bridges the gap by bringing families and teachers together to support student success.
Bring TAPP to Your School
There are many ways to get involved with TAPP. Take the first step by exploring the possibilities.
About TAPP
Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) is a nationally recognized, proven, research-based intervention that promotes student success and strengthens relationships between home and school.
TAPP offers practical strategies that foster trust, encourage two-way communication, and prioritize student growth and family engagement — even when parents and teachers struggle to connect.
Frequently asked questions
Who is TAPP for?
TAPP intervention supports:
- K–6 students and their parents
- K–6 classroom teachers
TAPP training supports:
- School specialists such as psychologists and counselors
- Preservice support staff and university students in social, behavioral and educational sciences
Is TAPP effective?
Yes! More than 35 years of award-winning research has demonstrated that TAPP makes lasting improvements in students’ behaviors, enhances teachers’ and parents’ skills, and strengthens relationships between home and school.
Why is TAPP effective?
TAPP is highly effective because it’s grounded in evidence, uses innovative practices and promotes key elements that make strong partnerships possible:
- Trust
- Two-way communication
- Clear roles
- Collaboration and cooperation
- Shared responsibility
What is family-school partnership?
A family-school partnership is a relationship involving close collaboration between parents, teachers and school specialists who deliver support services. These adults each bring valuable insight and ideas to the table — and they must work together to help children succeed.
Is TAPP sustainable?
Yes, TAPP offers a lasting solution. TAPP empowers teachers and parents to maintain strong partnerships well into the future. School specialists can be trained — virtually or in person — to deliver TAPP within their own communities, ensuring long-term and sustainable results.
What does TAPP look like?
The TAPP process involves specific steps to address social and behavioral concerns. School specialists use TAPP to lead parent-teacher meetings, collaboratively solve problems and assist in developing effective student behavior plans for use at home and school. The process builds on strengths and fosters positive relationships between parents and teachers.
TAPP Process
Building on Strengths
The TAPP process focuses on strengths to empower students and help them achieve their goals.
Planning for Success
Together, teachers and parents monitor student behavior, then select strategies to use at home and school.
Checking & Reconnecting
Parents and teachers check in with each other to review progress and adjust plans for student success.
TAPP in Action
Preview the three stages of the TAPP in the following videos.
History and Impact
TAPP was developed by school psychologist Susan Sheridan at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Originally called Conjoint Behavioral Consultation, the TAPP research program has grown significantly since its first study was completed in 1988.
Today, TAPP is changing lives across the U.S., and expanding its reach every day through online training. TAPP has been implemented in at least 16 states, with more to come.
