1. Challenges to Home-School Communication  Pragmatic  Economic-work schedules may prevent parents from attending meetings  Time-scheduled events may not be convenient for parents  Transportation-parents may not have means to get to meeting  Logistics-lack of childcare  Technological-no computers at home to access online information  Cultural  Language difference  Ethnic difference  Gender difference  Non-verbal cues  Institutional  School climate-is the school welcoming to parents  Teacher/Staff attitude- are teachers welcoming and prepared for parents

2. 8 Tips for Communicating with a Person from a Different Culture 1. Take personal responsibility to make the communication effective 2. Clarify the communication, seek feedback, ask questions 3. Recognize that some persons may not be comfortable discussing certain issues. Try to empathize. 4. Avoid being judgmental. Respect differences and accept the person as an individual. 5. Observe verbal and non verbal behaviors 6. Pay attention to personal space 7. Be aware of different uses of eye contact. Indirect eye contact is the norm in many cultures, especially in male-female communications 8. If the person is non-English speaking, try to learn the language and/or use an interpreter

3. Strategies to Overcome Home-School Communication Challenges Challenges 1. Language differences 2. Time limitations of teachers & parents 3. Perceptions of teachers & parents 4. Teacher preparation & lack of knowledge Strategies 1AUse of interpreters 1BCorrespond in the language of families 2A Establish a schedule 2B Establish mutually agreed upon times & venues 3A “Seek first to understand” 4A Pre-service training 4B Professional development