Parent-Teacher Communication Improves Student Learning Presented by Annette Eyman & Kala King Communications Department Papillion-La Vista School District Papillion, NE (402) 537-6209 aeyman@paplv.esu3.org
What would you like to know about Parent Communication/Involvement?
Today’s Agenda •Research •Communication Strategies •Parent Communication/Involvement – Classroom – School – District
Why Parent Communication? When Parents are Connected to School… •Students Grades Improve •Better Attendance •Fewer Discipline Problems
Student Achievement Improves!
Research • Teacher Survey About Parent Communication (05-06) • Parent Survey About Teacher Communication (05-06)
Teacher Research Results Barriers: • Time, Time, Time • Lack of Communication Training • Parents Unresponsive • Phones • Parent Email Access
Parent Research Results • Concerns about Parent Teacher Conferences • Liked Email • Time • Lack of Know How…..
Communication Strategies • Training for Teachers – All New Teachers – Communication Toolkits
– School by School
• Templates for Teacher Communication – Curriculum PPT – Classroom Newsletters
Communication Strategies Cont… • Teacher Access to Parent Email • Phones • Restructure Parent/Teacher Conferences – More Flexibility Elementary – More Structure Middle School – Overhaul at High School
Communication Strategies Cont… • • • •
Piloted Connect-ED “Be There” Campaign – District-Wide Provide District-Wide Parent Tips Overhaul of District Web Page
Communication Strategies Cont… • Superintendent Meets with PTO Leadership • Involve Parents in Committees and Community Forums • Parent Involvement Conference • Speakers
Research • 08-09 Parent Communication Survey – Online Survey Monkey – Mailed to Parents Without Email
• Teacher Communication Survey • “C” Parent Focus Groups
Plan for Communication Outlined Expectations for Elementary • All Teacher Contact Parents within Two Weeks of School Start • District Paid Postcards • Classroom Newsletters • Online Newsletters • Teacher & Admin Training
Plan for Communication • 100% PTC • Curriculum related activities that engage parents – Breakfast and Books – Reading Slumber Parties – Math and Muffins – Literacy Night – Family Night
Plan for Communication Secondary • Online Newsletters • Format Curriculum Nights • Use of Email • Online Grades • PTC Transformation • Teacher & Administrator Trianing
Plan for Communication • HS Parent Teacher Organization (TACT) – Representatives from each booster group – Key Parents as Leadership – Use as Sounding Board – Encourage Parent Involvement
Coming Soon • • • • •
Restructuring PTC & Report Cards Structured Parent Volunteer Program Template for School & Teacher Web Sites Better Plan at Secondary Level Research – Data Connecting to Student Achievement – Communication
Role of Communications Dept. • Position Yourself as the Communications Expert • Support Teachers – Extra Mile
• Resource for Parents