Parent Strategies to Help Improve Communication with Teachers and Schools PRESENTED BY: DR. LATEASHA WHITE PARENT INVOLVEMENT LIAISON STOCKBRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL ADAPTED FROM A PRESENTATION GIVEN BY NATHAN SCHULT PARENT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Objectives  IDENTIFY possible challenges to communication  IDENTIFY types and methods of communication  LEARN how to ask the school for assistance  OBTAIN knowledge to communicate more effectively  UNDERSTAND the benefits of parent-teacher communication

Building an Effective Partnership Teachers Students Parents TeachersStudentsParents

Possible Challenges Perceptions Need more information Challenging schedules and time Confusing technology Different language

Possible Challenges – Perceptions Rather than…  Unwelcoming School  Unreliable Communication  Unresponsive Teachers  Unwilling to Help …what about?  Create new impressions  Take initiative  Visit the school regularly  Ask questions

Possible Challenges – Information What to Know  Basics (contact info, hours of operation)  Events and schedules  Grades, requirements, and tests  “Education-ese” How to Learn  Visit the school website  Read all letters or newsletters  Sign up for /text alerts & announcements  Join parent groups  Request a meeting

Possible Challenges – Time Plan ahead to find the best time for everyone Ask about the teacher’s availability or scheduled times to meet Use phone or computer if possible

Possible Challenges – Technology Many schools communicate large amounts of information via their website, , or master phone calls Therefore, confirm that the school has your correct phone number and address to ensure accurate delivery Let the school know the best way to reach you and how you would like to receive information

Possible Challenges – Languages Schools should make every attempt possible to communicate information in a language that is understandable to parents Resources are available in the schools to help translate Friends, family, or faith based organizations can also help translate

“Voice” Communication Communication when both parties can talk and listen:  Phone call  Video conference  Conference call Benefits:  Address specific needs  Immediate feedback Drawbacks:  Requires schedule agreement  “Phone tag”

“Eyeball” Communication Communication when both parties are face-to-face:  Individual meeting  Conference  School parent meeting Benefits:  Address individual needs  Direct feedback and input Drawbacks:  Schedule requirement  Time commitment

“Fingertip” Communication Communication created by using our fingertips:   Websites  Blogs  Online grade book Benefits:  Quick information  Large amounts of information  Large audience Drawbacks:  Technology requirements  misinterpretation  Limited discussion

“Handed” Communication Communication that is placed in our hands:  Letters/Newsletters  Report cards  Student handbooks  Invitations Benefits:  Inform recipients of general information  Reach large audience Disadvantages:  Delayed or never reaches destination  Does not allow for feedback unless requested  Not tailored to individual

Best Way to Communicate? The best method of communication is often determined by goals, needs, and time. Use different ways to communicate with teachers based on the situation in order to establish a good partnership and help your child effectively. Let the teacher know how you prefer to receive information regarding your child.

How to seek assistance C C ontact the school L L ist the concern E E xplain what you tried A A sk the school for help R R eview and revisit C.L.E.A.R. Communication is KEY!

Who to Seek for Assistance Middle School Teachers Principal & Assistant Principals School Counselor Instructional Lead Teacher/Coach Graduation coach Social Worker Parent Liaison

Tips for Conversations with Teachers Prepare a list of questions Provide goal and purpose for conversation “Is my daughter participating in class?” Focus on your child Be an advocate for your child – not the whole class “My son is having trouble learning fractions” List concerns Help the teacher understand your needs “I am worried that my son is falling behind.”

Tips for Conversations with Teachers Ask for feedback Use the teacher as a resource and partner “What do you recommend to help?” Offer assistance Let the teacher know that you want to help “What can I do to help my child?” Develop communication skills Use “I” statements: “I feel…”; “I believe…” Not always what we say, but how we say it

Benefits of Effective Communication Improved parent involvement  Communication provides you with more information to be an involved parent  Involved parents are more likely to monitor and be able to help their child’s progress Increased understanding of the school  Know more resources, including people, in order to help your child Working partnerships and strong relationships  Common goals and mutual understanding between parents and educators to help students Better equipped to help your child  Knowledge to guide and monitor your child

Questions?/Comments Contact Information Dr. Lateasha White Title I Parent Involvement Liaison