Academic Conferencing with Parents/Guardians for Student Success Presented by Mary Louise Silva, Director of Parent & Community Engagement msilva@laalliance.org (213) 943-4930 ext. 1011 or (818) 439-1271

What has been your past experience with parent-teacher conferences? What role did you play? (Student, teacher, parent?) What was the outcome? What would you do differently or the same? The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Workshop Goal: Provide teachers with research-based strategies to conduct highly effective parent-teacher conferences that promote student success and establish meaningful parent-teacher partnerships. The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Expected Outcomes: You will learn: The importance of parent engagement Strategies to open lines of communication with parents What to do before, during, and after your successful parent-teacher conference What to do when parents or guardians are uncooperative The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Parent Involvement = Student Success Higher grades and test scores Improved attendance Better social skills More likely to graduate from high school and go on to college REFER TO HANDOUT RESEARCH ON PARENT INVOLVMENT The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Parent Engagement & Parent Involvement What do the words mean to you? The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

When schools engage parents, parents become involved! Parent Engagement is a phrase used to describe the work of schools and organizations as they engage parents to become involved in their child’s education. Parent Involvement is a phrase used to describe how parents participate at home and in their child’s education.

Alliance Core Values: High expectations for all students Small, personalized schools and classrooms Increased instructional time Highly qualified principals and teachers WORKING WITH PARENTS AS PARTNERS

Alliance Parent Engagement Model: 40-Hour Annual Volunteer Commitment 1. School Support 2. Academic Support ACADEMIC CONFERENCING

TCRP - Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities 4.4 Develop two-way communication with families about student learning and achievement Initiation of meaningful communication Responsiveness to parent inquiries and communication Inclusion of the family as a partner in learning decisions Level III

Latest Research Research shows that regular communication between parents and teachers leads to effective school and family partnerships and contributes to student academic success. Often, the only time communication takes place is at parent-teacher conferences. 90% of parents with elementary-aged children attend parent-teacher conferences, while (52%) of parents with high school teenagers do. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2008) . The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Types of academic conferences: Scheduled parent-teacher conference with student present (4 x per year or as needed) Student-led Conference Student Success Team (academic/behavioral problems occurring in more than one class) Individual Education Program (IEP) meeting The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

What do they look like? A successful parent-teacher conference? An unproductive parent-teacher conference? Think pair-share (30 seconds to share each) will have 2 people share out. The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

An unproductive parent-teacher conference occurs when: Information is only flowing one-way Only negative feedback is given Arguing or blaming begin Your point of view is dominant The conference is something that happens only once or twice a year

A successful parent-teacher conference occurs when: Decisions are made – usually in the form of a cooperative action plan to help a student improve/advance There is an opportunity for teachers and parents to work together to ensure student success 15 The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010 15

A successful parent-teacher conference occurs when: Parents and teachers have an opportunity to formally talk and listen to each other (15 minutes) Information is shared regarding expectations and student progress The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Successful parent-teacher conference outcomes: Parents Are empowered and are regarded as real contributors to their students education Students Appreciate seeing teachers and parents team up for their success and do better in school Teachers Can eliminate problems in the classroom and save time Strong family and school partnerships are formed based on the belief that learning occurs at home and at school.

Do you feel uncomfortable or dread conducting parent-teacher conferences?

Teachers: Addressing defensive, angry or agitated parents Dealing with unmotivated parents or no-shows Not having enough time to discuss a problem Focusing on only the negative False impressions Nothing gets accomplished Afraid of not being heard The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Why do some parents feel uncomfortable or dread participating in parent-teacher conferences?

Parents: Not feeling valued or treated with respect Lack of trust due to previous negative school experiences Embarrassment about student’s progress or behavior Frustration when school may have allowed a problem to escalate Not understanding teacher recommendations Afraid of not being heard

How can you move beyond discomfort and establish strong connections with your students’ parents? The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Know your audience! Develop an understanding of your student’s socio-economic and cultural background. Drop the “we-them-attitude” View parents as collaborators and speak their language Regularly reach out to parents The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Effective Communication Strategies = Strong Trusting Relationships How and when do you plan to reach out to parents?

Communication Strategies: Before or at the beginning of the school year: Get to know parents informally Tell parents that you regard them as valuable partners Exchange contact information Invite parents to visit your classroom Send syllabus home (syllabus contract) The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Communication Strategies: Leave regular phone or email messages (especially positive) Set up a meeting to alert parents regarding a potential problem (don’t wait for parent-teacher conference) Use your school’s translation services Be willing to truly listen…………… 26 The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010 26

Teachers in urban schools need better listening skills to engage in a meaningful two-way dialogue with parents. This leads to the formation of parent-school partnerships necessary to resolve student problems and help students reach new heights. The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Listening: Be mindful of your tone of voice and mannerisms Be aware of emotional baggage (parents/teachers) Stop the “need to be right or appear smart” Let the speaker know their message is being heard and understood. Listen as a receiver not as a critic. The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

What steps should you take to accomplish the essential goals of a successful parent-teacher conference? The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

5 Essential Goals to Accomplish: Goal 1: Parents should see you as a friendly and knowledgeable Goal 2: Parents should feel an atmosphere of cooperation and support Goal 3: Parents should leave with questions answered and issues discussed Goal 4: Mutual respect and understanding should be established Goal 5: Agree to work together to solve problems

Actions to take before a parent-teacher conference: Plan (decide on points you want covered) Gather samples of student work Review student records Take notes regarding student strengths and weaknesses

Actions to take before a parent-teacher conference: Anticipate questions from parents Create a comfortable seating arrangement (bring food) Create welcome signs Create a schedule that is reasonable Remind yourself to listen 32

Actions to take during a parent-teacher conference: Greet parents with a smile and shake hands Begin with a positive remarks Clearly state issues and give examples (avoid jargon) Allow parents to voice questions or concerns (reflect back) The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

Actions to take during a parent-teacher conference: Express your desire to work with parent to resolve problems or help a student advance Share information about school supports (tutoring, Homework Club, Saturday School) Collectively agree on a plan of action and schedule a follow-up conference (if necessary) End on a positive note and don’t forget to say thank you! 34 The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010 34

Actions to take after a parent-teacher conference: Follow-up: Take detailed notes and complete a conference log. After a few weeks, contact the parent and share progress or problems. If the problem persists, schedule another parent-teacher conference and ask your administrator or counselor to sit in.

Dealing with an upset parent: Let parent speak first and don’t interrupt Maintain eye contact Listen empathetically/reflectively Describe what you have done to correct problem Don’t force your point of view Recap points covered and develop plan of action Express appreciation

“At parent-teacher conferences you never see the parents that you need to see.” --Anonymous Teacher Why do you think this is the case?

Keep in mind that some parents may… View themselves outside of school system due to differences in ethnicity, income, and culture Feel it’s the school’s responsibility to do the teaching - they don’t feel they can make a difference Resist involvement due to cultural and communication differences The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

What should you do to engage a resistant parent?

Dealing with no-shows: The week before the scheduled conference, send a reminder memo home or do a TeleParent message. The week of and the day of the conference, call and let the parent know that you value his/her input and that it’s important that you meet to discuss certain issues. If a parent does not attend, call to reschedule or ask your administrator about conducting a home visit. Offer incentives (free dress, homework pass, etc.) if your school policy allows for this. Ask your administrator.

Other Resources: The First-Year: Teacher’s Survival Guide – a Jossey-Bass reader Parents and Teachers Working Together by Carol Davis and Alice Yang

Questions/Comments

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