1. Working With Parents ACED 4800 Student Teaching Seminar

2. Why is it important to build a positive working relationship with parents? Research has shown that parents and family are critical factors in children’s education, particularly for those who are at risk of dropping out of school. Numerous studies demonstrate that the influence and support given by the family may directly affect the behavior of children in school, their grades, and the probability that they will finish high school.

3. The initial contact with parents is important. This contact should be… Early in the school year Early in the school year Positive in nature Positive in nature Inviting and encouraging Inviting and encouraging Well written or spoken Well written or spoken An “introduction letter” or open house is a great way to make this initial contact. See Chapter Five in the text for suggestions.

4. However, contact should be maintained THROUGHOUT the school year. May be a phone contact, letter, or progress report. May be a phone contact, letter, or progress report. Should include all students, including high achievers and low achievers. Should include all students, including high achievers and low achievers. When possible, contact should be made prior to more serious consequences such as suspension from class or school. When possible, contact should be made prior to more serious consequences such as suspension from class or school. Postcards or other “short” correspondence are great for letting parents know when you catch their child doing something good! Postcards or other “short” correspondence are great for letting parents know when you catch their child doing something good!

5. Sometimes, it is necessary to meet with parents to solve problems related to their child’s performance in class. This can be tricky. The text discusses the fact that prior to the conference, there are certain things that should be done. In short, the student, teacher and parent should be prepared to intelligently discuss the issues. The meeting should not be conducted haphazardly. Be sure to check out suggestions beginning with page 163.

6. Here are some of my suggestions for working with parents… Be understanding of the parents’ feelings and concerns Be understanding of the parents’ feelings and concerns Be compassionate. This is their “kid” that you are dealing with. Be compassionate. This is their “kid” that you are dealing with. Be honest. Have the facts straight and available. Don’t get caught with improper facts! Be honest. Have the facts straight and available. Don’t get caught with improper facts! Share positive comments, especially ones that can be used to address the negatives. ALWAYS conduct yourself in a professional manner Remain calm at all times.

7. And a few more suggestions… Meet face-to-face, when possible. Meet face-to-face, when possible. Have an administrator present, when appropriate. This is especially important if you are aware of previous meetings involving the parent that got out of control or if you are dealing with a sensitive issue. Have an administrator present, when appropriate. This is especially important if you are aware of previous meetings involving the parent that got out of control or if you are dealing with a sensitive issue. Always have what’s best for the student(s) in mind. Don’t let the fact that “the student drives you crazy” be the primary focus of the meeting Always have what’s best for the student(s) in mind. Don’t let the fact that “the student drives you crazy” be the primary focus of the meeting

8. Administrators can be a valuable asset when working with students and their parents But, administrators don’t like to be embarrassed. Very few of us do! To avoid this… But, administrators don’t like to be embarrassed. Very few of us do! To avoid this… Keep the administrator up to date on problems that may arise. Keep the administrator up to date on problems that may arise. Be professional Be professional Stick to the facts Stick to the facts Don’t disagree with the administrator in front of parents or students. Discuss differences of opinion with him or her in private. Don’t disagree with the administrator in front of parents or students. Discuss differences of opinion with him or her in private.

9. What other suggestions do you have for working with parents and administrators? Go to the discussion board by clicking on this link and share them with the class.

10. Be sure to check for assignments related to this presentation.