Parent/Teacher Collaboration Lewisville Elementary School

Overlapping Spheres of Influence Reasons to develop stronger partnerships

This is the way it should look.

Characteristics of Successful Partnerships Create a family-like school Welcome all families Develop a personal relationship with parents Use multiple forms of communication Provide specific information to parents Give parents positive feedback Active listening- listen and respect parents input and opinion Demonstrate commitment-ongoing communication Create an equal partnership

The Essential Question: What Roles Do Parents Play In Education? Within our school parents have the opportunity to play 3 specific roles in the involvement of their child’s education. Communication Governance Participation

First Role- Communication Is the continuous dialogue between parents, teachers, and administrators. Communication is where the school to home connection is made. Where parents and teachers can help one another better understand the student and help that student to be successful.

Second Role- Participation When parents have the opportunity to have direct involvement in the school’s day to day activities. This can be through volunteer activities both within the child’s classroom and throughout the school.

Third Role-Governance The opportunity to be involved in more structured groups where the voice of parents is desired. Parents are invited to share their voice on school programs, practices and decision making.

How Do We Currently Involve Parents? Let’s take a look at what programs we currently have established within our school that focus on these areas. Communication: Monthly school newsletter District and school websites District and school Facebook pages Home Visits Parent-Teacher Conferences Email/phone calls Participation: Helping within teacher classrooms School wide presentations PTO events WATCH D.O.G.S. Governance PTO School Improvement Council

Teachers What is our role?

What makes a good teacher communicator What makes a good teacher communicator? A teacher who takes the time to get to know and understand the whole child. Views home/school relationship as vital to student’s success. Has a sense and interest in the whole child: Home life, family members, pets, likes and dislikes Out of school activities, interests and hobbies Is aware of: Students learning style: strengths/weaknesses, necessary modifications – IEP if applicable Behavior triggers Behavior modification strategies that are used at home

What makes a good teacher communicator? Provide REGULAR Communications with DETAILED information Parents need to know how to help their child be successful at school, and how to best help their child at home. Students are not always the best communicators, organizers or have the best memories Keep websites and Parent Resources up to date with detailed information about assignments so parents can get assignment information/notes without having to contact the teacher Let parents know if a student is slipping in some area – i.e., major assignments missing/incomplete before it is too late Let parents know if there are behavioral issues in the classroom that you and he/she can work out together Parents need to know the school rules and class boundaries and consequences so they can help reinforce at home

What makes a good teacher communicator? Knowing WHEN and HOW to communicate: Thinks twice about timing and content Example 1: Emails are great but very black and white. They can often be misread and misunderstood. Example 2: A call on a Friday afternoon often leads to frustration and worry. All phone calls should always be returned. Teachers should try to understand parental work situations and avoid communicating at work unless it is very important Let parents know when and how to reach you.

What makes a good teacher communicator? A teacher who makes it easy for the parent to share sensitive and personal information A teacher who can build trust, integrity and understanding and who can build a professional and caring relationship A teacher who is approachable – not judgmental Maybe with a smile and sense of confidentiality A teacher who addresses problems early – does not let them fester

What makes a good parent/teacher communicator? “If you promise not to believe all your child says to me, I promise not to believe all they say about you “