Here is a short article describing 10 things that parents and schools can do to have better parent/school relationships.
They give examples in the article, but here is the really short version:
1. School People - Stop Using Educational Jargon
2. Visit Parents on Their Turf
3. Ask Parents to Teach What They Know
4. Welcome Complainers
5. Hire Parent-Friendly Principals
6. Seek Parent Volunteers
7. Offer Educational Activities For Parents and Kids
8. Get Parents to Observe Classes
9. Provide Courses for Parents
10.Create a Great School
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5 comments:
I think it is so incredibly important that teachers stop using educational jargon. I have so many times watched teachers on conference day come in with all their jewelry, expensive clothes, and big words. They try to build partnerships with parents who, in some cases, have just come from a hard day's work and are struggling to make ends meet and already are intimidated. The least that can be done is for teachers to use terms that everyone understands.
When I was a principal, I used to do my formal teacher evaluations for special education teachers during their case conferences with parents.
I used to make a list of every educational term that was used and then meet with the teacher afterwards and try to practice talking in "definitions" instead of jargon.
Sometimes we sound like alphabet soup when we talk.
However, I am not so sure about the expensive clothes and fancy jewelry. I think you are more likely to see polyester, glitter and chalkdust!
Those teachers who come in with their expensive clothes and jewelry must be married to someone who makes a bunch of money, because I can't afford either! (Not complaining, just clarifying for those who think we make a lot of money! Ha! Ha!)
I'm nervous when I see a parent dressed like that! :)
I may just have a different attitude, but I don't care how others dress or whatever. I am me and I don't have the best of everything, but I don't care. I care how I am treated and if I'm shown respect, then I give it in return. I have never had a problem with any of the teachers so far. As for jargon, I've attended my share of IEP meetings and I haven't had a problem with that, either. If something is said I don't understand, I ask for an explanation. I don't usually have to ask because it's usually rephrased in plain English to us.:-)
I think what makes a good parent/ teacher relationship is when you feel like the teacher really loves her/his job. I like when they seem to really care about the kids and it's not just a paycheck. I also love the fact that so many of the teachers my boys have had so far, have not only gave me school contact info, but also home contact info. Now I don't usually bother teachers at home, well maybe one.;) It is just nice to know that they are making themselves available to us at all times and their job doesn't end at the end of the school day.:-)
Those teachers at the parent teacher conference have just gotten off a hard days work also. Meeting with parents is scary for them also. They really only have one thing in mind…what is best for your child.
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