Parent-Teacher Communication by Jennifer Eyth

Description Differences between parent expectations for teacher-parent communication from elementary to high school.

Expected Outcomes Main Focus Parent expectations for communication Expectations likely change as child progresses from elementary to high school

Project Outline Explanation and confirmation of current communication via e-mail. Communicate at least once a week regardless of behavior to update about assignments, successes, and needs Courses were listed in an e-mail with an explanation with them. See Sample

Project Outline cont’d I switched from e-mail to a more specific form of communication that was more organized and separated the classes better. See sample

Sample: Update Form Blank Update Form

Project Outline (cont’d) Communication with teachers also changed in how they reported information to me. See samples

Old Form: Word Document How it was used Advantages/Disadvantages

Google Docs Advantages/Disadvantages   Sample Teacher Form

Project Outline (cont’d) Parents were sent their own Google doc. to fill out a survey of communication expectations. Results were as expected: Elementary--Daily Middle School—Weekly High School--Weekly Favorite forms of communication: Emails were preferred the most Notebooks were least preferred

Evaluation/Benefits Evaluation Benefits Parents preferred e-mail communication, and specific communication They often want to be able to help at home Teachers want to inform me, but also have limited time, so faster forms of communication were easier (Google Docs) Benefits Students can also benefit from a home-support system More teachers communicated with me more often regarding students I’m more aware of the needs my students have in regular education classes Individualized communication methods