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Communicating with Parents. Geraldine Harris Earnestine McRae Regina Montford Lynneth Whitten. Communicating with Parents. Overview Reasons Methods/examples Forms and resources. Why Bother?. Research has shown that parental involvement has been associated with the following:
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Communicating with Parents Geraldine HarrisEarnestine McRaeRegina Montford Lynneth Whitten
Communicating with Parents Overview • Reasons • Methods/examples • Forms and resources Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
Why Bother? Research has shown that parental involvement has been associated with the following: • Better academic performance • Improved attendance • Fewer discipline problems • Decreased drug use Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
Why Bother? • Parental involvement in education was two times more of a predictor of academic success than a family’s socioeconomic status. • Schools with intensive parental involvement programs have shown a greater effect on student performance than any other factor. • The more intensive the parental involvement the more positive the effects on achievement. Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
The Importance of Parents • When? • Ongoing partnership Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
What is the Teacher’s Role? Before School Begins: • Send a letter home to the parents • Send a letter home to the student • Visit the home of each student Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
Relationship Builders Body Language: • Project confidence (sit next or across from parent) • Remain calm, friendly, and professional at all times • Maintain eye contact Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
Relationship Builders Get Psyched • Like parent, like child • Bias • Be non-judgmental • Behavior isn’t “bad, just interfering with learning.” • Encourage parents to bring an advocate to the meeting • It’s not all about you • Be discreet Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
Relationship Builders Actions Speak Louder Than Words: • Listen and keep an open mind • Make every effort to understand parent complaints and concerns • Exercise empathy and focus on what is best for student Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
Relationship Builders Communication is a Two-Way Street (Positive and Constructive): • Address specific concerns • Be proactive Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
Lines of Communication: Instead of this expression… Try this…. Must Should Lazy Can do better when she tries Troublemaker Disturbs the class Uncooperative Will benefit by making a greater effort to work with others Wastes time Could learn to make better use of her time Truant Absent without adequate documentation He will fail if … He will pass if … Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
Relationship Builders Parting on Good Terms • Share success stories • End conferences on a positive note • Thank parent for coming • Enjoy the interaction! Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07
Online Resources • 27 tips • What research says • National Conference of State Legislators views Bibb County Public Schools Teacher Support Specialist Training 6.7.07