Working with Families and The Essential Conversation

1. Working with Families and The Essential Conversation • Families/parents/caretakers have had two opportunities to meet their child’s teacher • “Capsule Night” held Sept. 19th – receive the “Big Picture” from the teacher • Parent/Teacher Conferences held Oct. 20th and 27th • Preconceptions – My mentor advised me that parents can be demanding (high expectations) • Experiencing – No observable pressure or demands placed on my mentor. He comes with a high reputation. Diversity represented at meetings was consistent with that in the classroom. Most were interested in how their child was doing academically and whether there were any unexcused absences or behavioral problems. • Enquiring – I asked him how he deals with the high expectations. He responded to me (as he does with the parents, etc.) that he tries to give students every opportunity to succeed as previously described. I intend to adopt these same practices. • Examining – Documented names of students whose parents attended meetings for future consideration (compare against grades?) • Reflection – My mentor teacher did most of the talking which is fine considering his reputation. As a beginning teacher, I will try to put listening on an equal billing, especially with those whose backgrounds are most different from my own.