Title: Importance of Parent-Teacher Communications | The Compass School
Headings: The Importance of Parent-Teacher Communication
The Importance of Parent-Teacher Communication
Why is it important for teachers to communicate with parents?
What is Good Parent-Teacher Communication?
Portfolios and “Go Home” Journals
Snapshots, Forecasts, and Documentation Panels
Emerging Curriculum

Content: What is Good Parent-Teacher Communication? Good parent-teacher communication should be ongoing and have clear lines of communication from the start. Continually keeping parents involved provides a community feeling which benefits the child and the school. Parental expectations are one of the strongest predictors of student achievement, so clear and high expectations should be set from the beginning. At the start of the school year, teachers should explain how and when they will keep in touch with parents, all while letting parents know their questions and concerns are valued. Since family dynamics vary, discuss and choose communication tools that work best for particular parents. Some parents may want all digital communication while others may want only verbal or hand-written communication. A level of trust between parents and teachers must exist so that open communication can occur. Teachers should always inform parents of concerns right away, but should also explain strategies that have been used to address any problems and strategies that will be used in the future. When discussing any issues, teachers should make sure to explain ways parents can help at home that will reinforce any learning that is going on in the classroom.