Parent Partnerships Dr. Lin’s EDU 494-5 slideshow

Benefits for Children Security Self-worth Guide and nurture a child’s development knowledgeably Gain academic skills and verbal intelligence Dr. Lin’s EDU 494-5 slideshow

Benefits for Parents Support Gained knowledge and skills Parental self-esteem Dr. Lin’s EDU 494-5 slideshow

Benefits for Teachers Increased knowledge (get history of children) Self confidence Resource to supplement and reinforce mutual efforts Dr. Lin’s EDU 494-5 slideshow

Communication Process Verbal and nonverbal messages – Sometimes distorted through a filter of feelings, attitudes, and experience Reactions to role - Reactions are sometimes aroused by the roles each plays in communicating Emotional responses - Parents may experience anxieties about annoying teachers with questions or comments, or of creating teacher bias against their children because of concerns, etc. Personal factors - Personality or social discomfort can sometimes affect communication Dr. Lin’s EDU 494-6 slideshow

Communication Leads to Involvement (Six Levels) Parenting Communicating Volunteering Learning at home Decision making Collaborating with community Page 198 of

Family-Friendly Schools Welcome parents visually and emotionally Accommodate diverse family situations Make it easy to get involved Demonstrate that parental opinions and involvement are important Create spaces for parents Provide assistance and resources

Effective Communication Methods Telephone calls Written communication Communicating through technology Visual communication Home visits Parent meetings Parent-teacher conferences

Factors Influencing Quality Involvement Written policies Administrative support Training Partnership approach Networking Evaluation

Barriers to Teacher-Parent Partnerships Dr. Lin’s EDU 494-6 slideshow

Barrier Caused by Human Nature Fear of criticism Fear hidden behind a “professional” mask Parent reactions Fear of failure Fear of differences Dr. Lin’s EDU 494-6 slideshow

External Barriers Time “Busy-ness” Old ideas of parent involvement Administrative policies Personal problems Dr. Lin’s EDU 494-6 slideshow

The barriers can be broken by “a bit more relaxation, a bit more empathy, a bit more recognition of the many complex factors that shape life for all of us.” Dr. Lin’s EDU 494-6 slideshow

What Have We Learned? How to identify with your audience How to create a relationship with your audience How to promote parental involvement How barriers will impede your success