A forum for clearing some cloudy thinking

about K-12 schooling

For years, teachers have communicated with their students' parents on a regular basis. Often informal means are used for sharing information, discussing ways to help students and, perhaps, arranging conditions for improving school success. It is clear that collaboration between home and school are significant factors in the educational life of children. Strong relationships with parents can serve to strengthen the role of the school in our present society.

In order for parents and teachers to develop the necessary linkages, effective communication is essential. Conferences held at the end of grading periods or scheduled fro the development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) can serve as a beginning. Skilled teachers can then extend the original basis for the parental contact and arrange regular, systematically conducted conferences.

To view the 27 minute Parent-Teacher Conferencing Flash Video click on the right pointing triangle in the above box. The video provides an overview of how teachers can be effective in conferencing with partens.It is suggested it first be viewed in its entirety. After viewing, segments should be show prior to discussions as suggested in the Discussion Manual.

Parent-Teacher Discussion Manual
This PDF file contains suggestions for discussion on each segment of the tape.

Parent-Teacher Monograph
This PDF file contains additional materials to enhance the understanding of the concepts in the video.

For more information, please contact Dr. Thomas Stephens at
Email: tstephens@ssco.org
Telephone: 614.785.0481
Fax: 614.785.0513