How can I become involved with my child’s education?

Communication with your child’s classroom and gifted and talented teachers is the key. See the tips below.

Common Ground for Parents and Teachers

• Student needs

• Programming services

• Student achievement (academic growth)

• Optimal performance

• Learning goals

Communicating with School: A Positive Approach

• Request a convenient time to speak with your child’s teacher.

• Provide your questions and concerns to the teacher in writing before meeting the teacher.

• Be willing to compromise and collaborate on behalf of the student’s needs.

• Keep a file of communications, learning plans and testing data on your child throughout his/her K-12 years.

• Provide both positive and negative feedback for changes in your child’s learning plan, school assignments and learning activities.

• Determine reasonable timelines and methods for communicating with your child’s teacher.

• Do not expect your child to provide complete or accurate descriptions of school-day experiences. Communicate directly with your child’s teachers if you have questions about what is happening in the classroom.

• Celebrate excellence both for your child and for those who teach your child.

• Keep up-to-date with your school’s website and Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

What Parents Want to Know from Educators (questions to ask)

• What can you tell me about my child’s academic abilities?

• When can I tell you about my child’s interests and abilities outside of school?

• In school how will you…

  • • challenge and encourage his/her learning?

    • recognize and address his/her unique learning needs?

    • support his/her continued academic success?

    • assure appropriate placement?

• What can I do at home/school to help my child learn?

• If I am not satisfied, what should I do?

What Parents Need to Share with Educators (clues for understanding my child)

• Home activities that demonstrate ability and interest

• Attitudes about school

• Behavior at home vs. behavior at school (both positive and negative)

• Examples of how the child learns best outside of school

• Test data over time (on different testing instruments)

• Response to particular assignments

• Response to trying new things

• Response to making mistakes

• Independent work vs. group work

• Comfort level working with “peers”

• Other useful information

Strategies for Success

• Avoid ambiguity, vague demands, and assumptions.

• Watch your words at home.

• Remain open to possibilities vs. being right.

• Maintain a balanced perspective…seeking academic growth rather than perfect grades.

• Allow your child to take responsibility for his/her work…and the grade.

• Value a strong work ethic with high expectations.

• Model resiliency and seek solutions through collaboration.

How to be a Critical Resource at Your Child’s School

• Be a “personal resource bank” for your child’s teacher.

• Offer work/play samples of your child’s interests/strengths.

• Provide continual feedback from the home perspective.

• Discover resources/connections to enhance program options and classroom activities.

• Donate your time and talent.

• Network on behalf of advanced learners.

• Celebrate excellence!

• Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

Potential Outcomes

• Improved student achievement

• Credibility as an advocate

• Mutual respect between parents and teachers

• Increased communication between home and school

• Trust

• Balance

• Increased awareness of educational issues

• Support through expanded network of resources

• Effective advocacy through positive political influence

• Constructive contributions to the school community

• Sense of purpose and accomplishment

• Becoming a mentor to other parents