I have had 99% good experiences in contacting parents. On several recent contacts when I contacted the parents I was surprised at how we shared the same concerns. They were encouraging as to what and any action might be helpful.
My most recent contacts had to do with grades. The students were falling behind on completing assignments that were part of their self-paced learning on computer assisted modules. I started assigning 0’s to their grades that were going to show up on their progress reports. When I called the parents they expressed their concerns and support. When the students arrived to school after the contacts and the progress reports, they were much more motivated.
On other occasions I have made contact with parents about student attendance. Contacts about attendance are sometimes not as successful, because parents’ attitudes about work is learned and perpetuated through to their children. Many times the parents did not know about their children’s absence.
I am starting to see more support and encouragement for the students from their parents. Parent contact is just one of the many tools we must keep available and use.
Thanks,
RS in Alpharetta
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2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!
Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"
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Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"
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Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?
1 comment:
Hi, Ron - good to hear you are contacting parents as it is a very effective tool, as seen with those more motivated students. Usually the parents do not know their child's grades or attendance issues, especially if they are not good ones - their children will rarely tell them the bad news. Keep it up!
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