Educators in elementary and secondary schools need to communicate with parents with clarity and consistency. Communication can be as simple as sending completed assignments home or posting detailed assignment descriptions to an online space.
In our technology-enabled society, it is easy to maintain a detailed grade book, class materials, and other information online. And though there are legal issues with emailing parents grades and other confidential information, teachers can send an email telling parents when a secure website has been updated.
When I taught, I’d often send bulk emails to my students stating, “I have updated grades and included notes with feedback.” The bulk email let students know it was time to access the online system and check their standings.
I taught college and university courses, so I wasn’t in contact with parents. However, if I taught K12, I’d make use of every tool provided to keep families informed. In some cases, I’d step outside technology and send physical notes home reminding families to check the online portal.
Not every family has access to computing devices, so I don’t want to make it sound as if technology would solve every communication challenge. Teachers still need to send notes home, call families, and schedule face-to-face meetings.
When elementary teachers don’t communicate with parents or guardians, supporting the student’s academic efforts becomes difficult, if not impossible.
We have no clue what our fifth grader, “Leigh,” is studying week to week. Only after grades are posted online do we know what was tested. Because there is no homework, no weekly summary, no syllabus, we are left relying on our daughter to tell us what she needs to review.
As an autistic with ADHD, PTSD, and depression, Leigh needs time to review materials to do her best.
Teachers are overwhelmed thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous pre-existing challenges. There are teacher shortages nationally, as well as shortages of paraprofessionals, support experts, school counselors, and other staff.
I appreciate the efforts of Leigh’s teachers. Some team members communicate more effectively than others, though. Thankfully, her homeroom teacher communicates often and states expectations clearly.
Ideally, we will successfully encourage all of Leigh’s teachers to communicate proactively.