NCLB and Enhancing Collaboration With Teachers

An unfortunate consequence of standards testing and AYP is the potential for increasing conflict, rather than increasing collaboration, between teachers and parents. Everyone wants to see signs of student progress! That is everyone’s goal. If you keep that in mind, you are on your way to forging a partnership with your child’s teacher (and school) to assure that he or she will be successful in meeting state and local standards for achievement. Here are some things you can do to ensure a constructive parent-teacher relationship in this environment of high standards and (often) high anxiety:

• Make contact with your child’s teacher early in the school year. Be upbeat about your expectations for a great school year and note your availability to help ensure success by working with your child at home, using any suggestions the teacher can provide.

• Be sure to attend school conferences. Most schools try to schedule conferences into the evening to accommodate working parents—if you are assigned a time that can not work for you, don’t hesitate to request a different time slot.

• Be alert to any concerns expressed by either your child or school personnel. If you notice your child struggling with homework, stumbling when reading from schoolwork, complaining that the work is “too hard” or bringing home poor grades, contact the teacher and set up a time to discuss his or her progress and how you can help. If your child’s teacher contacts you regarding concerns, don’t be defensive—the teacher wants to help! Set up time to discuss his or her concerns and listen carefully, ready to collaborate on problem solving.

• Ensure that your child has every opportunity to perform at his or her best each day—provide regular and healthy meals; establish appropriate routine bedtimes; minimize television and video games, encourage trips to the library, museum and other community centers of learning activity; help your child develop effective organization and study skills.

• Set up a routine time and place for homework. Establish realistic homework rules, such as completing homework before television or computer games. Be available to supervise and assist with homework time.

back - next

Parenting Start