In order to make collaboration with parents happen consistently, schools must make it a priority and both commit to collaboration and follow -up on that commitment with specific action. To start off on the right foot with the parents, a statement of intent outlining the school’s objective towards teamworking, could be distributed to the parents upon first meeting. Other follow up actions that schools can take to prioritize collaboration with parents are: Providing courses for teachers that educate in effective communication with parents Instituting school programs, like this one presented here, to make sure it is a school priority and remains a focus throughout the entire school year.

Schools & Parents Collaborate A Guide for Schools to Establish Quality Partnerships with Parents

Collaboration with parents is important: Parents know their children best. Parents can help teachers find the most effective methods for educating their children. A student’s progress in school is enhanced by their parent’s interest. Establishing quality partnerships with parents: On your mark…: Prioritize teacher-parent collaboration. Get set…: Empower parents to collaborate. Go!: Communicate to collaborate. Porter, L. (2008). Teacher-Parent Collaboration: Early Childhood to Adolescence

Step 1) On your mark… Prioritize teacher-parent collaboration. Commit to collaboration. Statement of intent. Provide courses to educate teachers. Institute programs to ensure continual progress.

Step 2) Get set… Empower parents to collaborate Parent lounge Website Special services Teacher introduction Invitations Porter, L. (2008). Teacher-Parent Collaboration: Early Childhood to Adolescence

Step 3) Go! Communicate to collaborate Listen to parents Provide progress reports Give ideas for supporting the child academically Identify solutions to problems Communication must be: Regular Respectful Accurate & comprehensive Solution based

Formula: quality partnerships between schools and parents Prioritize collaboration Empower parents + Communicate effectively _______________________________ Productive parent-teacher partnerships Effective teaching Happy, well-educated children