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Friday, October 12, 2012

4 Ways We Can Connect With Parents | Connected Principals

4 Ways We Can Connect With Parents | Connected Principals:


4 Ways We Can Connect With Parents


cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by familymwr
Recently I was asked about the idea of using specialized software to connect with parents so that they can login, see all of their child’s grades, marks, assignments, homework, and a ton of other information.  Although I believe that these systems are designed to help make our systems transparent and ensure that we connect with kids, are they really effective for learning and improving our relationships with parents?  If they are frustrated with the software, logins, etc., will this actually improve what is happening in our schools or do they actually perpetuate the “factory model” of school; go in, get information, and get out.  I think that with the ease of many technology that educators, students, and parents use, there are other ways that we can bring parents into our classrooms and schools.
Here are a few thoughts:
  1. Consider parents partners in learning.  Any information that you think can deepen the conversations at home about the learning that is happening in the classroom will only help improve the learning of the child.  The web levels the playing field that we all have access to the same information.  Take advantage.