How to Effectively Communicate with Your Child’s School
Published September 19th, 2006 in Black Education News.By Matthew Lynch
Originally posted on Bahiyah Woman Magazine
During my three years at Hazlehurst Middle School, I facilitated countless parent-teacher conferences and served on many Individual Education Plan (IEP) committees. Because a child’s education is extremely important, all parties involved in these emotional meetings have very strong opinions. I have seen parents become confrontational in parent-teacher conferences, believing their child has been mistreated. Other parents criticize administrators, including the superintendent and principal. If, however, parents felt confident about participating in the school setting, the tension in these difficult emotional meetings could be diffused.
Most African American parents find it difficult to balance work, a family, and their child’s schooling. In my first book, Closing the Racial Academic Achievement Gap, I discuss the benefits of effectively communicating with your child’s teacher. They offer tips that will help parents avoid common misunderstandings and strengthen school-parent relationships. If you are part of a growing segment of African American parents who feel uncomfortable visiting their child’s schools, remember that your tax dollars are used to pay for your child’s education; you might as well check up on your investment.
If you didn’t have pleasant experiences when you were in school, having to visit a school environment may feel uncomfortable. When you initially meet your child’s teacher, you should approach the conference with a clear mind, seeking first to understand and then to be understood. Your child’s teacher should be viewed as a valuable ally who, like you, wants to see your child succeed.
Parent Conferences: The First Meeting
The first time you meet your child’s teacher will be of the utmost importance. You must make sure to create a good impression because it may determine how your child is treated for the remainder of the year. Showing your child’s teacher that you are very concerned about his education goes a long way in today’s schools.
Setting up the Conference
When setting up a parent-teacher conference with you child’s teacher, make sure you agree upon a time of day when neither of you will be hurried. Treat the conference the same way you would a professional meeting or a job interview. By being prepared for your parent-teacher conference, you have already assured success. Make a list of questions for your child’s teacher and bring the list with you.
