Author: pseldon

Making Parents Allies and Helpers
Teachers say parents may not make the first move but generally will respond when asked to help at home or play a role in the classroom. Some teachers involved parents in academic activities such as reading and tutoring, while other teachers turned to parents to relieve them of duties that otherwise would get in the way of teaching.

Home-school communication is among the most important factors in developing strong relationships between teachers and families. ~Epstein
Information from school is the primary means parents have to understand their children’s level of success or failure in school. ~Helling, 1996

The Relationship Between Teachers and Parents

Parents Make a Difference
Successful first-year teachers say parental involvement in education—at home and in the classroom—is vital to effective learning and discipline. "Parental support can improve your outcomes immensely,"

Connecting With Parents
Teacher outreach efforts to parents most typically include writing a newsletter or inviting parents into the classroom. Calling parents with good news about a child's progress also strengthens the teacher-parent relationship. Technology plays a vital role in teacher outreach efforts by emailing, text messaging, teacher websites and phone messenger (principal approval)

Escambia County Board Members
Mr. Michael Goolsby - District 1
Reverend Danny Benjamin – District 2
Mr. Mike Edwards – District 3
Mrs. Cynthia A. Jackson – District 4
Mr. Willie J. Grissett – District 5
Ms. Sherry Digmon — District 6
Reverend Coleman Wallace - District 7

ESCAMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

MISSION STATEMENT
"The mission of the Escambia County School System is to provide engaging and comprehensive instructional and co-curricular programs that will enable our students to graduate career and/or college ready."

DIVISION OF FEDERAL AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Beth Drew, Director of Federal Programs and Curriculum and Instruction
b
Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Assistant Superintendent

Magaline Marshall, Parental Involvement Coordinator
Phone: 251-368-0305 Fax: 251-368-0303
Email: mmarshall@escambiak12.net
Email: preese1@mcpss.com
Phone: 251-221-5221
Email: darobert@mcpss.com
Fax: 251-221-5229

John Knott, Superintendent

2014-2015

Look to Parents to…
Show support for learning at home
Communicate positive feedback about a teacher's influence or performance
Welcome new teachers
Volunteer to help in the classroom
Support fair discipline measures that teachers impose
Refrain from assuming the worst about first-year teachers
See that children do their homework
Offer the workplace for a field trip when appropriate
Talk to a teacher directly about a problem; and
Become active partners in education
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.
~William Ward

Tips for Working With Parents
Contact parents early on and before a problem occurs, particularly when there's good news to report
Consider writing a weekly newsletter or report on classroom learning and activities
Invite parents to come into the classroom and assign them tasks if they are willing
Involve them in reading groups and remedial assistance when possible, being aware that all parents may not read or write English
Let parents know how they can reinforce classroom learning at home; consider asking them to sign a contract requiring them to make children complete homework and other home learning activities
Visit families in their homes if possible to see firsthand how well learning is supported there
Address parents' concerns head on. If you are taking a pedagogical approach that raises questions, work to show parents the benefits of your methods and explain your reasoning to them; and hold a parent meeting the first month of the school year in which you talk about your expectations for student achievement and behavior, leave time for questions, and if you don't know the answer promise to call soon with one

Building Parent-Teacher Relationships
When meeting with parents face to face, a few simple strategies can improve the outcome of the meeting. Remember that your relationship can and should be one that focuses on positive outcomes for the student.
Relationship Builders
The following techniques can help teachers build positive relationships with parents and guardians.
Remain calm, friendly, and professional at all times.
Maintain eye contact at all times.
Be willing to listen and keep an open mind.
Make every effort to understand the parent's complaint or concern.
Emphasize all positives and academic gains first.
Address specific concerns and remain focused on what is best for the student. Share student work that supports your concerns.
Offer explicit help and advice. Help parents or guardians set achievable goals for their child.
Stand firm on school policies.
Relationship Breakers
The following behaviors can be destructive and easily misinterpreted. Try to avoid them.
Never sit behind your desk.
Avoid crossing your arms in front of you or placing your hands on your hips.
Do not argue or interrupt.
Avoid accusations; instead, state honestly what you feel using "I" statements.
Do not assume anything about a student’s home life.

Creating a partnership with parents takes effort and a dose of consideration. Follow these guidelines to establish an effective relationship.