WHY?

They tell me my child is stupid or crazy. They tell me my child is bad. I was a boy, they said I was always in trouble, but I was a troubled boy.

Teacher training School not welcoming Parents own negative experiences as a student Getting negative messages about your child Feeling marginalized (minorities, low income, immigrants, SPED)

Cultural Differences Proximity to School

Job Inflexibility

Professional Development and PLCs Create a school building that is welcoming with welcome signs in many languages, and friendly staff Build trust with frequent, non-threatening communication (2 way and 1 way) Be positive, include the parent is decisions Be inclusive, treat all parents as equals Travelling Meetings

1980: academic failure 1987

potential to drop-out of school the educationally disadvantaged underachievement

Create an atmosphere of trust.

Provide positive communication training to teachers.

The ultimate goal is to give families a sense of belonging to the school community.

Give feedback that is positive

Do it early in the game Do it privately

Ask permission
Announce your intentions

Focus on improving performance Be specific Allow time for the parent to respond Ask how we can work together to help the student Get agreement and set a date for followup

Ask the parent for suggestions.

Thank the parent for taking the time to meet with you.

Move from confrontation to problem-solving Provide evidence of the problem Dont talk to or write to a parent when you are angry Talk to other teachers who work with the student Decide what outcome you want from the parent meeting, plan a follow-up meeting

For a meeting: decide what you want to convey to the parents Start on a positive note Let the parent suggest the first solution Use active listening.
I hear you saying _____. Is that correct?

Be specific describing the problem Agree on specific steps to resolve Do not include the student until you and the parents are in agreement. NEA.org

Recognize that parents are valuable partners Admit your mistakes you are only human

Communicate OFTEN and EARLY

SOLER
Square posture Open Position Lean toward the other Eye Contact Relaxed Position

Treat Parents as Equals Be Warm not a cold professional stance Teachers need to convey a value for the authority and wisdom of parents
(Lawrence- Lightfoot, 2004)

Informational: Events Activities Student progress

How to make it work Introduction Letter Newsletters School Websites Class Websites Report Cards Communication Books

Monitor your TONE WORDS EMOTIONS

Have
PATIENCE PERSEVERANCE STAMINA