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
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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