Getting parents on board

What can teachers do to get more parents on board? There are many options and strategies for success, but communication is crucial for any strategy work.

Here are some tips that appeared in the online publication, Education World. The site provides an education-specific search engine and resource guide for teachers in addition to articles and interviews.

• Be sure the first contact with parents is a positive one.
• Establish regular, meaningful communication between home and school — weekly folders of student work, monthly calendars of special events, work sheets containing activities for students to do with their families, a class newsletter, etc.
• Put out the "welcome mat" and let parents know their participation as volunteer partners is desired.
• Communicate in a straightforward manner, avoiding educational jargon.
• Ask parents to share their concerns and opinions about school and then try to address those concerns.
• Accommodate parents' work schedules, language and cultural differences.
• Provide families with a list of required "mastery skills" for each subject taught at your grade level.
• Train parents in how to help.
• Create a "parent resource center" with materials on issues of concern to parents.
• Create a classroom website with an e-mail address for the teacher and a parent page.
• Set up a "homework hotline" where students or parents can call to get forgotten or missed assignments.
• Invite parents to present talks and/or demonstrations about their specialized knowledge or skill.
• Following parent conference or report card time, offer workshops on improving grades and study skills.
• Compile a wish list that includes both goods (craft sticks to carpet squares to software) and services parents can provide (stapling newsletters or chaperoning field trips). Be sure the list includes many free or inexpensive items and activities that do not demand a great deal of time or a long-term commitment.
• Connect with parents and ask them about their experiences volunteering. Do they have any suggestions that might improve the experience next time?
• Remind students in advance that parent volunteers are coming. Emphasize that parents are very busy and students should be "honored" that they have chosen to spend time in the classroom to offer assistance.