Building a Teacher Communication Plan Parent Communication Building a Teacher Communication Plan

Why is Parent Communication important? Student achievement increases as parents become more involved in their children’s education. Effective two-way communication between the teacher and parents leads to greater involvement.

Parent Communication Research shows that when parents are involved, students have: Higher grades Better attendance Lower rates of suspension Increased motivation Higher graduation rates

Parent Communication Hierarchy of Effective Communication One-on-one Small group Speaking before a large group Phone call Hand-written personal note Typed personal note (not a form letter) Personal “form letter”

Parent Communication Hierarchy of Effective Communication Mass-produced, non-personal letter Brochure or pamphlet Newsletter articles Newspaper articles Advertising Other – billboards, pens, give-aways Summary: People beat paper every time.

Parent Communication What is a teacher communication plan? Basic list of communication tactics for the year Includes communication method, frequency, & content Special Events Plan – used to plan communication for major events Back-to-School, Parent Information Night, P-T Conferences, etc.

Parent Communication Why create a teacher communications plan? Effective communication is not something that just happens. Planning helps ensure success.

Parent Communication General Communication Tools/Tactics Classroom newsletter (electronic or print) E-mails Teacher Web Page Phone Calls/Brag Calls/Touching Base Calls Good News Notes/Post Cards Surveys Letters/invitations/thank yous (student-written?) Friday Folders Backpack flyers Voice Mail

Parent Communication Other Tools/Tactics Monthly parent visit days Additional P-T conferences (Spring) E-mail Blog Homework/class assignments requiring parent involvement Parent speakers – find out parents’ hobbies, interests with survey – use their talents in your classroom Student-created newsletter Refrigerator Notes

Parent Communication Other Tools/Tactics Daily “what I learned” review with students Attend outside activities Promote a story weekly/monthly to PR Home visits Parent recognition Parent volunteer program Congratulatory letters mailed to students End-of-the-Year Class Celebration

Parent Communication Special Events Back-to-School/Meet the Teacher Night Parent Information Night Parent-Teacher Conferences Other?

Parent Communication Special Event Plans include… Event Promotion – how will you invite parents? Event Preparation – what do you need to do? Event Procedure – what will happen at event? Handouts Event follow-up – how will you thank parents?

Parent Communication Tips Mix it up – use multiple methods throughout hierarchy Include both regular and one-time tactics Make it “do-able” Communicate goals of project/field trips Provide parents with ways they can be involved (at home and at school) Look for opportunities for 2-way communication Field trip/project goals – always communicate the why; also why late start, why you’re out of the classroom

Parent Communication I have a plan, now what do I do with it? USE IT – put it in a place where you will see it consistently Share it with parents – Parent Information Night, in newsletters, etc. Adjust/review it throughout the year

Parent Communication Things to consider: It may take 7 times to get a message across. Communication is more than sending a newsletter. Real communication creates a two-way connection. Do everything you can to make the first communication with parents a positive one.

Parent Communication Additional Tips Schedule your communication in Outlook Ask parents what type of information they want/how they want it Use e-mail for general communication – never for confidential/difficult issues Blank templates located on Teacher Resource page of website – under Teaching & Learning menu

Questions? Suggestions Thoughts Parent Communication Questions? Suggestions Thoughts