Title: Dealing with Parents
1Dealing with Parents
- presented by
- Marlon Cousin
- Parental Involvement Coordinator
2The Importance of No Child Left Behind
- No Child Left Behind is about a commitment
to all children, and of course, its one that we
absolutely must honor if were going to continue
to thrive as the great nation we are. - -Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings
3What is parental involvement under No Child Left
Behind?
- The statute defines parental involvement as the
participation of parents in regular, two-way, and
meaningful communication involving student
academic learning and other school activities,
including ensuring..
4- that parents play an integral role in assisting
their childs learning - that parents are encouraged to be actively
involved in their childs education at school
- that parents are full partners in their childs
education and are included, as appropriate, in
decision-making and on advisory committees to
assist in the education of their child and - that other activities are carried out, such as
those described in section 1118 of the ESEA
(Parental Involvement). Section 9101(32), ESEA.
5Why is parental involvement important?
- A synthesis of the research concluded that the
evidence is consistent, positive, and convincing
families have a major influence on their
childrens achievement in school and through
life. - When schools, families, and community groups work
together to support learning, children tend to do
better in school, stay in school longer, and like
school more.
6R-E-S-P-E-C-TMakes a Difference
- Respect is key for both parents and teachers
throughout the year. Conferences will be
successful when attitudes of respect and
gratitude are communicated in both directions. - Parents need to walk away from conferences with
hope. - Have sincere, specific praise to give to the
parents. - Parents also want an honest appraisal of their
childs weaknesses.
7R-E-S-P-E-C-TBefore the Conference
- Be prepared to
- Ask questions
- Answer questions
- Use specific comments, evidence, and everyday
language - Adhere to allotted time
- Take notes
- Finally, remember you are the same team.
8R-E-S-P-E-C-TDuring the Conference
- Relay positive comments
- Encourage the parent
- Share, information
- Put a plan together
- Express areas the student needs to work on
- Close the conference with a review
- Thank the parent
9R-E-S-P-E-C-TAfter the Conference
- Follow through on
- the agreed upon plan
- explaining the plan, using everyday language
- continued communications
- modifying the plan if needed
- expressing thanks
10The ABCs of Communicating with Parents
11Allow Enough Time
- Schedule plenty of time for the meeting.
- Twenty to thirty minutes is usually adequate.
- If you are scheduling back-to-back conferences,
be sure to allow enough time between them (10
minutes or so) so you can make necessary notes on
the just-concluded conference and prepare for the
upcoming one.
12Be Ready for Questions
- Be prepared to answer specific questions parents
may have. They are likely to be questions such
as - Is my child working up to his/her ability level?
- How is my child doing in specific subjects?
- Does my child cause any trouble?
- Does my child have any specific skills or
abilities in - schoolwork?
13Contact Parents Early
- You will get your relationship with parents off
to a good start if you contact them before the
school year begins or very early into the year,
perhaps with an introductory phone call. - Give parents an outline/syllabus of what their
children will be studying, and let them know you
will be happy to meet with them throughout the
course of the school year.
14Do Not Judge
- It may not always be possible to react neutrally
to what parents say, but communicating your
judgments of parents behaviors can be a
roadblock to a productive relationship with them.
15Encourage Both Parents to Attend Conferences
- Misunderstandings are less common if both parents
hear what you have to say, and you will be able
to gauge the kind of support both parents give
the child. - In addition, many children come from
single-parent homes you could unwittingly hurt a
childs feelings by always asking to meet the
mother.
16Forget the Education Jargon
- Educational phrases like criterion-referenced
testing, perceptual skills and least
restrictive environment may be too much for
parents to understand. - Keep the conversation simple and focused on the
child.
17Get your papers organized in advance
- Assemble your grade book, test papers, samples of
students work, attendance records, and other
pertinent data together ahead of time. - That way you wont be fumbling through stacks on
your desk during the meeting.
18Have a Plan
- Have in mind a general but flexible outline of
what youre going to say, including a survey of
student progress, a review of his or her
strengths and needs, and a proposed plan of
action.
19Insist on a Family-Friendly Environment
- Greet parents near the entrance they will use.
- If you are unable to meet them at the door,
inform the secretary or receptionist of the
scheduled conference, so they will know the
whereabouts and be better prepared to assist the
parents.
20Just Listen to What Parents Have to Say
- Most adults are poor listeners
- We concentrate on what were going to say next,
or we let our minds drift off to other concerns,
or we hear only part of what a speaker is saying. - You will get more out of a conference if you
really listen to what parents are saying to you.
21Keep a Record of the Conference
- You may find it helpful later to have a brief
record of what was said at the conference, what
suggestions for improvement were made and so
forth. - Make notes as soon as possible after the
conference while details are still fresh.
22Learn the Names
- Dont assume that Jennifer Peabodys mother is
Mrs. Peabody. Check your records ahead of time
to make sure youve got the parents name right. - Dont assume that the wrinkled gray-haired
gentleman coming in with Johnny is his
grandfather. It could be his father, or an
uncle. Politely ask.
23Meet again if you need to
- If you feel you need more time, arrange another
meeting later rather than trying to rush
everything.
24No Physical Barriers
- Do not sit behind your desk, while forcing the
parents to squeeze into the childrens desks on
the front row. - Arrange conference-style seating if possible so
youll all be equals.
25Prepare to offer a suggested course of action
- Parents appreciate being given some specific
direction. - If Jane is immature, it might be helpful to
suggest parents give her a list of weekly chores,
allow her to take care of a pet, or give her a
notebook to write down assignments.
26Question the Parents
- Ask for their opinions. Let parents know youre
interested in their opinions, are eager to answer
their questions and want to work with them
throughout the year to help make their childs
education the best.
27Review the students strengths
- It is easy for parents to feel defensive since
many of them see themselves in their children. - You will help if you review the childs strengths
and areas of need rather than dwelling on
criticism or stressing weakness. - Try to balance every weakness of a child
discussed with one of the childs strengths.
28Stress Collaboration
- Let the parent know you want to work together in
the best interests of the child.
29Turn the other cheek
- In routine parent conferences, its unusual to
run into parents who are abusive and hostile. - But it can happen.
- Try not to be rude, whatever the provocation.
- Listen to parents in as pleasant a manner as
possible, without getting defensive.
30Use Body Language
- Non-verbal cues set the mood of the conference.
- Smile, nod, make eye contact and lean forward
slightly. - Use body language to let parents know youre
interested.
31Verify Information
- Before the conference ends, summarize the
discussion and what actions you and the parents
have decided to take.
32Wind up on a positive note..
- End with an encouraging comment about the future
expectations for the student.
33eXplore Solutions Together
- Things will go smoother if you focus on solutions
rather than on the childs problem. - Discuss what and the parents can do to improve
the situation. - Plan a course of action together.
34Your Comments Must be Specific
- Parents may flounder if you deal only in
generalities. - Instead of saying She doesnt accept
responsibility, be specific by pointing out
Amanda had a whole week to finish her report but
she only wrote two paragraphs.
35Zoom in on the child
- You dont want to pry, of course, but remember to
ask the parents if theres anything they you
should know about the child (such as study
habits, relationship with siblings, any important
events in his or her life) which may affect his
or her school work.
36(No Transcript)