personal time . It ’ s not enough to contact or communicate with parents a few times during the year , at back-to-school night , parentteacher conferences , carnivals , class parties , open house , etc . While those activities are important , individual personal contact throughout the year builds positive relationships that may last a lifetime .
In Randy Sprick ’ s book “ CHAMPS ,” he promotes taking proactive measures , including initiating ongoing contact with families . He maintains that when there ’ s an effort to keep families informed and connected to their school , “ they are more likely to work with you , should their student have a behavioral or academic problem .”
Of course , there ’ s always the possibility that for various reasons parents may not always be receptive to communicating with the school , much less making connections . However , while it may be a more difficult task , as caring educators who want the best for kids , this should not be a reason to throw in the towel .
First , there should be an investigation , without judgment , of the reason . Many
families deal with life circumstances that we could not imagine . For example , my district has one of the highest rates of childhood poverty in the nation . That in and of itself carries a multitude of possible reasons for poor communication in parent engagement . Nevertheless , a willingness to understand and provide possible alternatives to connect goes a long way and demonstrates to families a commitment to our core beliefs that they are vital partners .
Our ultimate goal is to create an open , trustworthy atmosphere where parents and families have the opportunity , tools and resources to participate in the journey of their child ’ s education . While that journey requires a personal investment , it is well worth the time to make those connections with our parents . As Benjamin Franklin once said : “ Tell me , and I forget . Teach me , and I remember . Involve me , and I learn .”
Resources
• DuFour , Rebecca ; DuFour , Richard ; Eaker , Robert ; Many , Thomas ( 2013 ). “ Learning By Doing : A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work .” Bloomington , IN : Solution Tree Press .
• Maxwell , John ( 2010 ). “ Everyone Communicates , Few Connect : What the Most Effective People Do Differently .” Nashville , TN : Thomas Nelson Inc .; and ( 2004 ). “ Make Today Count : The Secret of Your Success is Determined by Your Daily Agenda .” Grand Rapids , MI : Zondervan Publishing House .
• Saphier , Jon ; Haley-Speca , Mary Ann ; Gower , Robert ( 2008 ). “ The Skillful Teacher : Building Your Teaching Skills .” Acton , MA : Research for Better Teaching Inc .
• Sprick , Randy ( 2009 ). “ CHAMPS : A Proactive and Positive Approach to Classroom Management .” Eugene , OR : Pacific Northwest Publishing Inc .
Terri Edwards has been an educator in Fresno Unified School District for 22 years . A graduate of FUSD , she is currently an administrator at Parent University and has served as teacher , vice principal and principal . 10 Leadership