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The AMPA has evolved in its features and the relevance of its actions. Parting from an outstanding start as service providers, it has faced different situations. Of course, its role in schools and institutes is not questioned, although it is delimited. The text presents the evolution of the AMPA and its current situation by means of various works, the starting point of the analysis of ethnography conducted in 11 schools (infant, primary and lower secondary) in Catalonia, which has allowed detecting the main strengths and weaknesses in the associations. Among which we could highlight: increased interest from families to be involved; improvements in how they get the information and how they communicate; progress in coordination between the association and the management team...; but in all cases the situation can still be improved.