1. How to deal with parents asking "How can they do better?, What can we do at home?" Do's  suggest resources that can be easily accessed at home (i.e. websites)  direct parents to tools you use to communicate with students (i.e. MyClass)  encourage open lines of communication  where applicable, identify specific learning skills that improved upon at home  encourage parents to help their children to set SMART goals - > personal best  Senior Scholars  real-life application & exploration of new opportunities

2. How to deal with parents asking "How can they do better?, What can we do at home?" Don't do's  don’t offer parenting advice  don’t focus on the negatives  don’t be unrealistic in your suggestions  don’t suggest fault/blame Appropriate language  be encouraging  be specific and explicit

3. How to deal with parents of students that are misplaced Do's  Always begin with a positive - set a constructive tone to the conversation.  Discuss why the applied classroom would be a more encouraging environment for the student:\  4 categories (knowledge, thinking, communication, application) –where does the student meet expectations / where does he find it a challenge  More use of templates in Applied  Discuss student’s level of focus, an applied student may only be able to focus on a task for 20-30 mins  Student would benefit from smaller class sizes and more individual attention  Discuss how the content is different  Be constructive and positive - convey the message that a placement change would be most beneficial to the student.  Do refer parent to guidance if they would like to discuss post-secondary pathways (engage the school-wide team)

4. How to deal with parents of students that are misplaced Don't do's  Don’t discuss grades/ projected grades  Don’t compare one student to another student  Don’t air all your grievances about the student Appropriate language  Be constructive / positive – emphasize that learning is about progress through your choice of tone and words.

5. How to deal with parents of students with good grades Do's  encourage students to continue their own learning by reading (a variety of materials) to develop critical thinking skills; have title suggestions ready Don't do's  give them next year's text Appropriate language  should be encouraging and simplified

6. How to deal with parents of students with low/failing grades Do's  Listen, then speak.  Be transparent about expectations, curriculum and assessment.  Ask students (if present), to describe ways they believe they can improve.  Do a background check (IEP, progress in other classes, notes, etc)  Ask about behaviour outside of the classroom.  Mention/highlight a strength (s).  Suggest senior scholars

7. How to deal with parents of students with low/failing grades Don't do's  Emphasize weaknesses without recommendations.  Treat the student's progress as hopeless.  Guarantee success on one condition (if Billy came to class regularly he will pass)  Prematurely suggest an applied or college stream.  Blame/draw too much attention to a learning disability.  Offer support you are not willing to give/have time to give. Appropriate Language  Avoid speaking subject specific jargon.  Be simple in your recommendations (Quality > Quantity)