The need for a strong partnership between school and families to educate children may seem like common sense. In simpler times, this relationship was natural and easy to maintain. Teachers and parents found many occasions to discuss a child's progress. Children hear the same messages from teachers and parents and understood that the expectations at home and school were the same. But, as our society has become more complex and demanding, these relationships have been neglected. Neither educators or parents have enough time to get to know one another and establish working relationships on behalf of the children. This lack of communication can often lead to misunderstandings, mistrust, and a lack of respect, so that when the child fails, teachers blame parents and parents blame teachers.
These days, it can take extraordinary efforts to build strong relationships between families and educators. Schools have to reach out to families, making them feel welcome as full partners in the educational process. Families, in turn, have to make a commitment of time and energy to support their children both at home and at school. Our goal is to reestablish these connections. The impact of significant and meaningful parent involvement is improving student growth and performance.
We would love to hear some of your ideas about how you or your parents communicate..
ReplyDeleteOur group feels that this is a huge part of a child being successful however, many times it is not happening with teacher or parent.
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ReplyDeleteI have always allowed my students to make corrections to tests for partial credit, or even retake the test for full credit. But it seemed unfair to those who did well in the first place, so I allow my students to get their tests signed for 5 points extra credit. My intention was for the benefit of the students, but the result was that many of my parents were more informed more regularly about how their students were doing in my class. Tests are more frequenct than progress reports and more detailed. I guess you could call it informal communication, sort of like informal assessment! ~Amanda Huffman
ReplyDeleteParent communication is so important. Any way that we can reach out and make sure that parents are kept up-to-date on what's going on in the classroom is wonderful. I use my Wiki as a way to communicate with my parents. I upload weekly notes, sight word lists, anything important that I think parents should have access to. I also use a blog to discuss what's been going on in the room. Your project is a great way to help teachers keep check on who/when they communicate. It's a great way to address a need at your school(s). Excellent! -Kristi Day
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