1. Stripling Elementary School September 11, 2014 Communicating with Parents

2. Truths of Parent Involvement Education Child Parent

3. Truths of Parent Involvement The parent is the central contributor to a child’s education. School can either co-opt the role or recognize the potential of the parents.

4. Truths of Parent Involvement

5. Any parent can be “hard to reach” Parents must be approached individually. They are not defined by gender, ethnicity, family situation, education or income.

6. Truths of Parent Involvement “They should know...”. “Did you see THAT Mom?” “Excuse Me, Where is Your Badge? (oh, and Good Morning)” “They need to learn English!”

7. Truths of Parent Involvement Most barriers to parent involvement are found within school practices. – They are not found in parents.

8. Truths of Parent Involvement ParentInvolvement

9. Truths of Parent Involvement Parent Involvement is a process, not a program of activities. It requires ongoing energy and effort from everyone at the school.

10. Effective Communication Parent Involvement requires effective communication.

11. What do we already know about communicating with parents? A child’s academic success is greatly enhanced when teachers and parents are partners in the process. Building a relationship with parents does not have to be difficult or extremely time consuming.

12. How do we communicate effectively with parents? Have a feasible plan Stay organized No news isn’t good news – communicate regularly…good and bad Utilize the website and the Parent Portal Be aware of your body language and tone – It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it

13. Tools of Communication Phone Communication: PHONE COMMUNICATION Try to begin the conversation with something positive avoid putting the parent on the defensive Remember telephone etiquette address person by name (different last names) if calling parents at work, state importance of call and be brief Keep track of all calls made – good news or bad phone log paper trail is important

14. Tools of communication: Phone Communication Be prepared brief script/notes What do you want to communicate? What do you want the student to do about it? What do you want the parent to do about it? Do not overwhelm parents with too many issues/concerns discuss 1-2 current concerns

15. Phone Communication End the conversation positively “Thank you for your support.” “I know that we both want ________ to succeed. We need to work together to accomplish this. Thank you for your help.”

16. No News isn’t Good News Good News Postcards Positive phone calls Positive emails Positive Notes Positive communication early on can make difficult communication easier.

17. Tools of communication Teacher Websites Homework Class messages Make-up assignments/projects Days and times available for extra help

18. Email Communication Tips… Be sure that spelling and grammar is correct. Try to ensure that the email is tone neutral. It may be necessary to confirm receipt of message with receipt notice or with a phone call. Some things are better left un typed… a phone call may be more appropriate. Be aware of email power struggles. Use your school email address. Confirm information before putting it in email.

19. Conferences Attentive Body Language Greeting: Smile Eye contact Handshake (strength, speed) Listening: Ignoring distractions leaning forward Wanting more/ Patience slow nodding, reflecting

20. Conferences Be prepared brief script/notes What do you want to communicate? What do you want the student to do about it? What do you want the parent to do about it? Try to begin the conversation with something positive avoid putting the parent on the defensive Do not overwhelm parents with too many issues/concerns discuss 1-2 current concerns. Tell parents of the strategies you’ve used to solve the issue and what strategies you are planning on using to discuss with the parent.

21. Conferencing with Parents who Speak Another Language Tips and Reminders: Arrange for an interpreter in advance. Do not use students as interpreters. Face and direct conversation to the parent – not the interpreter. Pause after a chunk of information has been shared. Keep it simple and professional. Plan for the additional time to interpret. Be aware of cultural differences. Be aware that the parent may understand more English than you think.

22. EVALUATIONS AND SIGN-IN SHEET Please remember to have parents Sign-in, a sign in sheet will be provided to you. Remember to say “THANK YOU FOR COMING!!!!”

23. Resources Used www.indianriverschools.org www.scholastic.com www.priceless-teaching-strategies.com www.about.com www.inspiringteachers.com www.nysut.org