By Mark
How should a school–or a single teacher for that matter–go about forging meaningful partnerships with parents? For the first time in my life, I'm on both sides of that coin: I'm a veteran teacher and now also the dad to a kindergartner. I have worked hard in the past to make connections with the parents of my students, but if I look closely at those "connections," it comes in pretty basic forms.
I teach high school and I am looking for new ways to engage parents in a meaningful way. While I'll soon be working a booth at my son's elementary school carnival, I don't see that kind of avenue for "parent involvement" in my high school. (And that's not really the kind of involvement I'm thinking of, though a fundraiser for a noble cause.)
At the secondary level, what does it really mean to "partner" with parents in a meaningful way?
I’m wondering if the idea Tom shares here would work in a secondary setting? https://www.storiesfromschool.org/2010/10/superman-shows-up.html
I’m doing home visits for the very first time. It’s amazing how simple they are and yet, the parents are so appreciative. I think I’m developing that relationship you’re describing because parents know me and they’re less hesitant to contact me when they have a concern. I forget how intimidating school can be to parents. I don’t know how easy this would work for you at high school, with so many students. You’d probably want to be selective and target just some homes. I’m having a heck of time managing 26 home visits for my class. I’m behind in everything.
I had another idea for you… this wouldn’t work for my parents, because so many of them don’t have internet access… what about a Ning?
I have the best success with either email or the telephone. Having always taught 7th grade or higher, I’m aware that there’s a big drop-off in communication once kids enter middle school or junior high. All of a sudden, they have to rely on their child for information about school just when the child is less willing to discuss it.
I try to call home if a child is doing really well socially or academically, or if I have concerns and need the parent’s help.
Another thing I think secondary education needs to do is provide a more transparent picture of a child’s progress, but this is tricky. Telephone calls about tardies or attendance might never make it to the parent. Some families don’t have internet access at home. The mail might not make it to the parent, either.
There’s online grade access, and online attendance access, and mailings, and phone calls, and some parents are still totally disconnected from their child’s education. I’m not sure what the answer is.