1. Putting Kids First How to Build Powerful, Positive Relationships with Parents Jennifer Schwanke, Principal at Indian Run Elementary Jill Abraham. Director of Elementary Education

2. “According to a Harvard Graduate School Survey in 2005, about 500,000 teachers – or one out of every six teachers – leave the profession every year. Forty to 50 percent of teachers who leave within their first five years cite parent management as a top reason.” -Consortium for Policy Research in Education “New teachers not only see parent-teacher communication as one of their biggest challenges, but also felt it is the area in which they are least prepared.” -MetLife Survey of the American Teacher

3. Our Learning Goals for this Session Principals will focus on the clarity and intent of their communication efforts with parents Principals will understand the 6 types of parents and the communication needs of each type Principals will know how to work with parents so the needs of the child always take priority Principals will share ideas for communicating with focus

4. For students to be the true benefactors, parents, teachers, and administrators have to consider if their words, actions, and intentions for students are truly visible and focused on kids. “Biology with Mr. Jones” Explore the real life scenario in groups of 3-4 What was the teacher’s intention in this communication? What message did the parents receive about the teacher? Do you have suggestions for the “suggestion box?”

5. 6 Types of Parents 1.Over-involved 2.Absent 3.Demanding 4.Defensive 5.Uncooperative 6.Child-Advocate “The Modern Parent”

6. 6 Types of Parents 1.Over-involved 2.Absent 3.Demanding 4.Defensive 5.Uncooperative 6.Child-Advocate

7. 6 Types of Parents 1.Over-involved 2.Absent 3.Demanding 4.Defensive 5.Uncooperative 6.Child-Advocate The “You need to keep up with my expectations parents”

8. 6 Types of Parents 1.Over-involved 2.Absent 3.Demanding 4.Defensive 5.Uncooperative 6.Child-Advocate “The zero to 100 you said what about my child?” parent

9. 6 Types of Parents 1.Over-involved 2.Absent 3.Demanding 4.Defensive 5.Uncooperative 6.Child-Advocate Just 2% of parents

10. 6 Types of Parents 1.Over-involved 2.Absent 3.Demanding 4.Defensive 5.Uncooperative 6.Child-Advocate The “I’ll Promise to be at Every Game Cheering for You” Parent

11. “I can’t do it alone. ”

12. 4 Types of Teachers 1.Unknowing New content, new grade level, new building, new role, new to the profession 1.Unable Unsupported, afraid, lack of knowledge or practice 1.Unwilling May be unable to see another’s perspective, not willing to change 1.Advocate Kids are first

13. What’s the common focus? Parent Over-involved Absent Demanding Defensive Uncooperative Child Advocate Teacher Unknowing Unable Unwilling Children Advocate

14. You are the Coach of a Tug of War Game… And your response will determine the outcome Event + Response = Outcome Tim Kight, Focus 3

15. Part 2: Our Outcome Kids first. Always.

16. Learning from the Best!! Welcoming environment Conversation focused on the child Highlights the strengths Recommends growth areas with sensitivity Sincerity in their comments and concern Complimentary of the parent with a focus on the child

17. What a pediatrician doesn’t do: Generalize treatment for a student Send a child to a specialist without trying interventions Say that he’s too busy, too tired, or overwhelmed Say that there are kids who are sicker than your child Talk about the changes in medical standards, legislation, or insurance challenges WHY NOT?

18. Pediatricians know parents don’t want to hear about the issues the doctor faces. Parents are focused on getting their child healthy!

19. Communicating with Parents 5 tips to keep the focus on kids 1.Be Authentic 2.Be Specific 3.Be Immediate 4.Be Clean 5.Be Private

20. Is the focus on kids? With yourself and your staff? 1. Communication Opening Letter Communications Open House Evening/Extracurricular Activities Social media Body language 1.The school and classroom environments 2.What do we know about individual children? If you don’t demonstrate something specific, they will ask for it. 1.“Let’s think about how your child has benefited.”

21. Common Themes that Come Up Bullying Consequences of the other child Teacher assignment District decisions State/Federal mandates (3GG, common core, testing, value-added, report card) Homework Transitions (special ed, from bldg to bldg, move-ins)

22. The right answer lies with you… Your district Your students Your staff Your bargaining unit Your school’s culture and history Your colleagues

23. Part 3: What do you do with the other 2%? Listen and explain. That’s all.

24. Tips: 1.Never lose your cool 2.Be genuine and honest (own it!) 3.Set the parameters from day 1 4.Involve others 5.Recognize when to pass the baton 6.Make it a practice to create a paper trail #cool as a cucumber

25. May your words match your actions and may your actions always be focused on children. “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” Ralph Waldo Emerson