Expert: Bonnie Shimmin - 12/27/2009

Question
In what ways can the school & the home, work together for the betterment of the child.

Answer
Dear Harjeetkaur,

It's so important for teachers to keep parents advised as to what is happening in school and what their children are working on.  Most parents want to be of help, but they just need to know what's going on.  Here are some ways to keep in touch:

1.  Send home a monthly newsletter with learning goals and projects due.
2.  If the community supports it, send your email address to parents so you can communicate with each parent about students.  This was very helpful with parents who work long hours, but have a computer available at work.  
3.  Call parents immediately in case of major problems, but also call when students (especially those who've had previous problems) do well.
4.  If your administration supports it, make home visits to parents whom you really want to talk to, but haven't been able to.  Make sure you have another adult along with you.
5.  If parents speak another language than the majority language, try to learn words and phrases to make parents feel more comfortable with you.
6.  Most important:  Make parents feel like they are partners in their child's education and really listen when they talk to you.  That doesn't mean you are required to do anything they want, but it does require you to listen and answer respectfully at all times.