Comments From Parent-Teacher Partnerships

The post Parents and Teachers: An Effective Partnership in Education? answered questions posed by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. From the national contributions, the United States Department of Education has compiled themes, requirements almost, of what is necessary for a sustainable parent and teacher relationship. As the government continues discourse with the public about these four points, lets watch the development and add to the conversation.

1. Parents and teachers share many goals for children. Both want children to succeed, thrive, and to do well in school so that they create pathways for success in the future.

For parents and teachers to shape children so they can become involved and successful adults seems like an easy convergence of goals. The problem lies in the standards and modifications for children that parents imagine, and the ones that teachers envision. Parents know their children exceptionally well, and teachers know the learning process and behavioral consequences incredibly well.

One answer to this dilemma is for parents to create the type of education they want for their children. This would include school choice, such as standard public, homeschooling, charter, or online. With the diversification of school types, parents will have more control over the type of discipline, curriculum, and teaching methods that comprises their children's schooling. However, no matter the school setting, administrations do set forth guidelines and expectations. Freedom of choice cannot be an invitation for running away from uncomfortable situations.

2. Though they have goals in common, parents and teachers often have different needs from one another. Both recognize that for education to work, each side must do their part.

Parents primarily want teachers to communicate, whether it be with phone calls, email, or postcards. For this to happen, teachers would need to designate time to fulfill this need. This would cost more money, as teachers would put in more hours or teach fewer classes. Additionally, this idea may contradict some of Secretary Duncan's previous comments, such as when he supported the idea that secondary classes should have more students per class. Asking teachers to update grades daily or mail class newsletters takes more time with more students. In the need of parents to have teachers communicate, the idea of spreading teachers even thinner is unfair.

Teachers primarily want parents to support them. Parents may want to do this, but would appreciate knowing how. Setting the tone at the start of the school year-during a registration meeting or at open house-goes a long way in establishing an environment where parents can support teachers. Explain reasoning behind rules so when teachers call with concerns, parents understand not only what happened, but why it is best if the child's behavior changes. Parents need 'clued in' with education and they will likely be willing to provide support.

My next post will cover the second set of the four themes.

Photo Credit: Flickr