Communicating with High School Parents

When students enter high school, communicating with parents can become a challenge that teachers have to overcome. Teachers can begin by establishing rapport with parents of high school students. Teachers have the responsibility of establishing an open dialogue with parents through frequent communication. Teachers can start the school year off by informing parents of student expectations in curriculum studies and classroom behaviors. During orientation sessions when parents and students are visiting in classrooms, teachers can model the classroom experience so parents and students have a better understanding of expectations. Teachers can give an overview of the curriculum and share goals for student participation.

To keep the lines of communication open and frequent, parents can share the means of communication that best meets their needs. Parents and teachers can have two-way communication through electronic means, such as: on-line grading portals, emails, school web-site updates, and phone calls. Teachers can keep available student data and behavior logs that can be shared with parents during conferences and parent meetings. Teachers need to keep true to the plan for communicating feedback that is accurate, specific, and in a timely manner. Parents will be appreciative of the attention to detail teachers share concerning their child’s education. The collaboration between the parent, teacher, and student will result in a productive learning environment that will improve student performance and parent participation in their child’s education.