Parent-Teacher Partnerships
What is a "parent-teacher partnership", and what are the benefits?
Parent-teacher partnership refers to parents and teachers working collaboratively together to enhance student achievement, and to ensure student success. There are many benefits to a parent-teacher partnership. When parents and teachers work together it sends a clear, consistant, and positive message to students that school is important, that learning is important and that achievement is expected.
How can I start a parent-teacher partnership?
You can start a parent-teacher partnership by being proactive. Visit your child's teacher and let him of her know that you want to work with them to make sure that your child reaches all of his goals for the year. You can initiate contact with the teacher and really offer ways that you can assist.
What topics are discussed in parent-teacher partnership?
Topics discussed in a parent-teacher partnership are topics that are generally discussed between... parents and teachers! Really the topics center around the child. What's best for the child? What are the child's strengths? What are the child's areas for improvement? How can the teacher work to help that child reach his goals and strengthen his areas for improvement? What is the parent's role, and what is the child's responsibility? These topics should be covered in a parent-teacher partnership.
Are parent-teacher partnerships important for older children?
Parent-teacher partnerships and relationships are essential, no matter how old the student is. The relationship between parents and teachers is just as important for high school students as it is for middle school students and elementary school students. Oftentimes, as students progress through the grades (particularly in high school), parents tend to be less involved. It's important that you let teachers know, even in high school, that you're willing to help out, that you will do anything to assist, and that you can be involved at their request. So yes, parent-teacher partnerships are important for older children too.
How can I have a good parent-teacher partnership if I don't have much time?
Parent-teacher partnerships look different based on the individuals who are involved in them. It's really based on the time that the parent has, and the time that the teacher has. It's important that you establish that open and clear communication with the teacher, and that can be done through telephone calls, through emails, or even through brief mails that can be sent to school. So there are a number of ways to establish a parent-teacher partnership, even if pushed for time.