Clarity and usefulness of communication parents and

 Clarity and usefulness of communication: Parents and teachers should have the information
they need to help students, in a form and language that makes sense to them.
Surprise a Parent
Parents are not accustomed to hearing unsolicited positive comments from teachers about their
children, especially in a phone call from the school. Imagine how you would feel, as a parent, if you were
contacted by a teacher or the school principal and told that your son or daughter was doing well in school, or
that your child had overcome a learning or behavior problem. When you make calls to share positive
information with parents, be prepared for them to sound surprised-pleasantly surprised.
Research shows that school-home communication is greatly increased through personalized positive
telephone contact between teachers and parents. Remember, when a phone call from school conveys good
news, the atmosphere between home and school improves. When you have good news to share, why wait?
Make the call and start a positive relationship with a parent.
Phone Guidelines
Sometimes, as a new teacher, it's difficult to make the first call to a parent or guardian. Preparing for
the call will make it easier. Before making a call, write down the reasons for the call. One reason can be simply
to introduce yourself to the parent or guardian. Here are several guidelines you can use as you prepare:
 Introduce yourself
 Tell the parents what their child is studying
 Invite the parents to an open house and/or other school functions
 Comment on their child's progress
 Inform them of their child's achievements (e.g., "Student of the Week")
 Inform them of their child's strengths or share an anecdote