Parent Strategies to Help Improve Communication with Teachers and Schools PRESENTED BY: DR. LATEASHA WHITE PARENT INVOLVEMENT LIAISON STOCKBRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL ADAPTED FROM A PRESENTATION GIVEN BY NATHAN SCHULT PARENT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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Parent Strategies to Help Improve Communication with Teachers and Schools PRESENTED BY: DR. LATEASHA WHITE PARENT INVOLVEMENT LIAISON STOCKBRIDGE MIDDLE.
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Parent Strategies to Help Improve Communication with Teachers and Schools
PRESENTED BY: DR. LATEASHA WHITEPARENT INVOLVEMENT LIAISONSTOCKBRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
ADAPTED FROM A PRESENTATION GIVEN BY NATHAN SCHULT PARENT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Objectives
IDENTIFY possible challenges to communication
IDENTIFY types and methods of communication
LEARN how to ask the school for assistance
OBTAIN knowledge to communicate more effectively
UNDERSTAND the benefits of parent-teacher communication
Building an Effective Partnership
Teachers
Students
Parents
Teachers
Students
Parents
?
Possible Challenges
• Perceptions• Need more information• Challenging schedules and
time• Confusing technology• Different language
Possible Challenges – Perceptions
Rather than… Unwelcoming School Unreliable Communication Unresponsive Teachers Unwilling to Help
…what about? Create new impressions Take initiative Visit the school regularly Ask questions
Possible Challenges – Information
What to Know
Basics (contact info, hours of operation)
Events and schedules
Grades, requirements, and tests
“Education-ese”
How to Learn Visit the school website
Read all letters or newsletters
Sign up for email/text alerts & announcements
Join parent groups
Request a meeting
Possible Challenges – Time
Plan ahead to find the best time for everyone
Ask about the teacher’s availability or scheduled times to meet
Use phone or computer if possible
Possible Challenges – Technology
Many schools communicate large amounts of information via their website, email, or master phone calls
Therefore, confirm that the school has your correct phone number and email address to ensure accurate delivery
Let the school know the best way to reach you and how you would like to receive information
Possible Challenges – Languages
• Schools should make every attempt possible to communicate information in a language that is understandable to parents
• Resources are available in the schools to help translate
• Friends, family, or faith based organizations can also help translate
“Voice” Communication
• Communication when both parties can talk and listen:
Phone call
Video conference
Conference call
• Benefits:
Address specific needs
Immediate feedback
• Drawbacks:
Requires schedule agreement
“Phone tag”
“Eyeball” Communication
• Communication when both parties are face-to-face:
Individual meeting
Conference
School parent meeting
• Benefits:
Address individual needs
Direct feedback and input
• Drawbacks:
Schedule requirement
Time commitment
“Fingertip” Communication
• Communication created by using our fingertips: Email Websites Blogs Online grade book
• Benefits: Quick information Large amounts of information Large audience