parent strategies to help improve communication with teachers and schools presented by: dr. lateasha...
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Parent Strategies to Help Improve Communication with Teachers and Schools
PRESENTED BY: DR. LATEASHA WHITEPARENT INVOLVEMENT LIAISONSTOCKBRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
ADAPTED FROM A PRESENTATION GIVEN BY NATHAN SCHULT PARENT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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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
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Building an Effective Partnership
Teachers
Students
Parents
Teachers
Students
Parents
?
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Possible Challenges
• Perceptions• Need more information• Challenging schedules and
time• Confusing technology• Different language
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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
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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 email/text alerts & announcements
Join parent groups
Request a meeting
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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
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Possible Challenges – Technology
Many schools communicate large amounts of information via their website, email, or master phone calls
Therefore, confirm that the school has your correct phone number and email address to ensure accurate delivery
Let the school know the best way to reach you and how you would like to receive information
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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
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“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”
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“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
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“Fingertip” Communication
• Communication created by using our fingertips: Email Websites Blogs Online grade book
• Benefits: Quick information Large amounts of information Large audience
• Drawbacks: Technology requirements Email misinterpretation Limited discussion
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“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
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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.
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How to seek assistance
Contact the school
List the concern
Explain what you tried
Ask the school for help
Review and revisit
C.L.E.A.R. Communication is KEY!
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Who to Seek for Assistance
Middle School•Teachers•Principal & Assistant Principals•School Counselor•Instructional Lead Teacher/Coach•Graduation coach•Social Worker•Parent Liaison
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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.”
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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
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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
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Questions?/Comments
Contact Information
Dr. Lateasha WhiteTitle I Parent Involvement [email protected]