1. Parent-Teacher Communication Courtney Stockton Developed in Conjunction With the Ventura County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)

2. Philosophical Points to Consider • Most parents are on your side. • Even difficult parents only want what’s best for their student. • How would you deal with the situation if it were your child? • Communication shows you care • What happens if you don’t communicate well? • Does your department chair or administration need to know anything?

3. Be Proactive • Get emails and cell phone numbers • First HW assignment • Back to School Night • Communicate as soon as you see an issue • More communication works in your favor • Lots of documentation • Should involve student when appropriate • Use of Time Tracker/Daily Log • Weekly Progress Checks • Home/School Rewards System

4. General Strategies • Focus on strengths and successes but discuss problem areas as well • Keep records of things that have “potential” • Don’t use other student’s names • Pick the best way to communicate for you • Phone vs. email vs. website vs. ???? • Respond to all communication within 24 hours

5. Even When They’re Angry • Stay Professional • Keep calm • Speak in a normal volume • Avoid profanity • Borderline words • Only say things you can prove via documentation • TRY not to allow feelings into discussion • Don’t allow abuse

6. How to Avoid Abuse • Ask parent to speak respectfully and professionally • Ask them again • add “…or I will hang up.” • Remind them they are still not being respectful. • Tell them to set up a meeting with an administrator. • Say “I am hanging up now.” • Hang Up

7. Specifically Elementary • Establish a system BEFORE the school year starts • Tell parents how it works • Early on • Whenever possible • Use the system consistently • If it’s not working, change it! • Notify parents in advance • Make assignments clear • Written directions • Simple/Rote tasks • Information in other languages

8. Examples of Communication Systems • Notes in the backpack • Communication log • Weekly newsletters • Send unit plans home • Regularly scheduled phone calls • Email group • Use a website or Edmodo.com • Remind 101 • Text Blasts

9. Specifically Secondary • Have students write HW in time tracker • Get teacher initials each day • Write none if no HW • Student must bring to teacher • Use Remind101 to send text blasts • App available on iPhone, iPad or Droid like devices • Use weekly progress checks • Many students already do this • Student must bring to teacher • Always give a progress report grade (even if not required) • Use www.Edmodo.com • Calendar • Assignments • Direct communication

10. References • Bing Images. “Thinking” (Picture Slide 2). Retrieved from http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4948031006510192&pid=1.7 6/18/2013. • Bing Images. “Proactive” (Picture Slide 3). Retrieved from http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qMeWsakmSfM/T_PKXQCmFhI/AAAAAAAAAl4/uMeN-an6uE8/s1600/depositphotos_9057569-Proactive-Person-Wins-Vs-Reactive-Inactivity-People-Lose.jpg 6/18/2013. • Bing Images. “Communication Crossword” (Picture Slide 3). Retrieved from http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Tf4i8LrbkE/UTYTEk80KFI/AAAAAAAAAm8/EQhw0uN0YiM/s1600/depositphotos_4556166-Communication-crossword.jpg 6/18/2013. • Bing Images. “Angry 1” (Picture Slide 5). Retrieved from http://hsc.csu.edu.au/entertain/industry/core/manage/3457/images/Communication.jpg 6/18/2013 • Bing Images. “Communicating” (Picture Slide 4). Retrieved from http://www.glennkruithoff.com/uploads/communicating_20feedback_blue.jpg 6/18/2013 • Bing Images. “Teacher Abuse” (Picture Slide 6). Retrieved from http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kr3odvg8Quc/TAVyLUfOFwI/AAAAAAAABEc/azrR96UwL2U/s1600/Teacher+Abuse.jpg 6/189/2013