Home, School, Community Relationships

Chilton's Guide to Better Home, School, and Community Relationships

Parents

1. Make parents feel welcome

There are many practical things a teacher can do to make a parent feel welcome including personally inviting them to Open House nights, writing thank-you notes, having a weekly newsletter, using multiple communication avenues--attempting to always meet parents where they are, giving prompt feedback on assignments, having beginning of the year surveys and actually following up on the survey requests.

2. Actively encourage parent participation

This can be encouraged by the mailings you send home--the language you use is very important. I personally send home separate papers specifically for parents with a different tone and different message than what I send with students. Parents should know by your words and actions that you are a professional, one who is prompt and courteous at all times. Although I don't have any children myself, I believe it important to show parents that you treat each child with the same respect and professionalism as you would treat your own if they were being educated by you.

3. Respond promptly and proactively with praise as much as possible

Although we all have heavy workloads, it is vital to respond quickly and promptly to all parents. Never let the sun set on a parental request. Even if you can't do it that day, respond to them affirming that you received the message and a full response will come soon. My mentor and I also tried to have weekly goal of calling at least three parents with praise--not just calling when a problem arises, but calling home to the children who's parents may have never received a phone call, letting the parents know that you are proud of them and they're doing a great job in your class.

4. Conferences:

Treat them with respect, listen carefully to what they say, affirm what they say, "sandwich" criticism between praise, and follow-up on any requests. As Dennis Walcott says in one of the sources, it is important during these conferences to share data with the parents about how the student is doing, provide samples of their work, and show cumulative data about their progress.

Students

1. Respect students as future adults and leaders.

The young people you are entrusted with are not data points, stereotypes, or challenges to be overcome, but fully human beings with as much potential and depth as you or me. Treat them as such by preparing them for the future like you would want to be prepared, teach them what you know, research what you don't, and always be on the lookout for ways in which you can prepare them to lead the world they are inheriting.

2. Communicate openly with them in multiple formats, always looking for the best and most effective way possible.

Announcing the homework before they run out the door doesn't cut it anymore. I personally recommend posting announcements and homework assignments on your website. I quickly respond to any and all emails that come my way. I have experimented with Facebook and Twitter as means of communication. I also recommend asking students what works best for them--there will always be more technologically savvy ways of communicating coming in the future and its best to ask your audience what they want instead of staying stuck in what you are comfortable with.

3. Listen carefully and be empathetic.

Simple. When they speak, take time to really listen and care about what they are saying. You are not here to teach curriculum, you are here to teach students the curriculum. This makes all the difference.

Agencies and Community Organizations

1. Seek out community integration opportunities in the classroom

Instead of lecturing about water quality in Earth science class, take a field trip to the waste water treatment plant. Instead of lecturing about author's point of view and tone, invite a published author to your classroom.

2. Invite special guests to your school

See above.

3. Keep records and send thank you notes.

When guests visit your school, gather their contact information in a universal database for future use. Make sure to thank them in person and send thank you notes as well to show your appreciation.

SCS Policy Section 5000:

For complete policies relating to Home, School, and Community Relationships, please see this website under the 5000s: http://www.surry.k12.nc.us/admin/policies.asp

Bibliography

• Graham-Clay, Susan. Communicating with Parents: Strategies for Teachers. The School Community Journal. Accessed at: http://www.adi.org/journal/ss05/Graham-Clay.pdf.

• Mariconda, Barbara. Five Keys to Successful Parent-Teacher Communication. Scholastic. 2013. Accessed at: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/five-keys-successful-parent-teacher-communication.

• "Communicating with Students". University of Southern California. Center for Excellence in Teaching. Accessed at: http://cet.usc.edu/resources/teaching_learning/docs/teaching_nuggets_docs/2.3_Communicating_with_Students.pdf

• Parent, Family, Community Involvement in Education. NEA Policy Brief. 2008. Accessed at: http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/PB11_ParentInvolvement08.pdf

• Walcott, Denis. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Maximizing Potential to Improve Student Progress. 2012. Accessed at: http://schools.nyc.gov/nr/rdonlyres/742df360-2337-4925-bd92-9e2ab544ee14/0/201213parentteacherconferencesmemospring2012_post.pdf