Title: 10 Ways for Teachers and Parents to Communicate Better about Assessments
Headings: 10 Ways for Teachers and Parents to Communicate Better about Assessments
10 Ways for Teachers and Parents to Communicate Better about Assessments
Content: 10 Ways for Teachers and Parents to Communicate Better about Assessments
By Kara Bobowski
August 2, 2018
Category | Supporting Families, Assessment Basics
10 Ways for Teachers and Parents to Communicate Better about Assessments
In an NWEA-Gallup survey of parents, students, and educators that we sponsored in 2016, a key finding was that more than six in 10 parents said their child’s teachers “rarely” or “never” discuss their child’s assessment results with them. And teachers reported in the survey that they felt comfortable with most aspects of assessments – but less so when it came to “communicating with parents about the results.” While teachers are certainly on the front lines when it comes to communicating with students about testing, we can’t forget the important role that parents play in assessments. Talking to parents about assessment results is an important step in helping parents understand their child’s growth, be a partner in goal setting, and generally give them a role in improving their child’s learning. As a teacher, there are points you can raise and tips you can impart to parents to help them not only understand assessment and assessment results, but also in preparing their children for testing. Have them meet with you as often as needed to discuss their child’s progress. Suggest activities to do at home to help improve their child’s understanding of schoolwork. Encourage them to have a quiet, comfortable place for their child to study at home, if possible – and free of digital distractions. Remind them that it’s important for their child to be well rested on school days and especially on the day of a test. Children who are tired are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test.