I would like to call some time before progress reports go out in another week or two, give the folks at home a heads up, and, as they say, call with good news first, or call before the kids are in too deep, at least.
Most parents indicated on syllabus slips that they're available evenings, but did not indicate a preferred day, except for one who said weekends.
I know one source that suggests calling on a Friday is a good way to show you mean business, but I'm also torn because Frank McCourt says in Teacher Man that calling parents violates trust with students.
So should I set aside time a few days during the week or a chunk this weekend?
2006-09-19 10:44:09 · 12 answers · asked by Huerter0 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Weekdays or weekend?
2006-09-19 10:51:32 · update #1
We don't have parent-teacher conferences, and I teach at the high school level.
2006-09-19 11:00:50 · update #2
I am a teacher and a parent. Usually I tell kids upfront that I will call home if I have a concern. There is not a trust issue to be violated. I work with their parents to help them succeed. If they hold up their end of the bargain they get a postcard saying that they are doing a great job. If there is a concern they get a phone call.
As a parent it is nice to get calls either before the kids get home (which is not possible with many because parents are working later) or around 6:00 or after. I prefer not to have dinner interrupted. If there is a problem I want to know now, when there is still time to bring up the grade.
Many times when I, as a teacher, phone home parents will tell me that they have never gotten a phone call from a teacher before and they are thrilled that I took the time to call.
Please call. If it is not a good time then you can leave a message. Kids prefer that you call early in the week so that they are not grounded all weekend; at least that is what they have told me over the years. As for parents; I do not think that they care which day. They just want to know if there is a concern. They want their kids to be successful.
2006-09-19 11:56:08 · answer #1 · answered by Melanie L 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Frank McCourt. It might damage your relationship with your students if they know you are setting them up. On the other hand, most parents probably have a good idea that reports are coming out soon, and those who care will watch for them anyhow. Those who dont care are often the parents of the children who are having problems, and will continue to not care.
If, for some reason, your school doesnt do parent teacher conferences at the beginning of the year, it might be a good idea to call the parents, just to make that initial contact, let them know what you are up to, that you are available to them as well, and when they might want to watch the mailboxes for progress reports. Let the students know that you will be calling their parents, and why, so that they dont feel threatened. Make sure they know that you are calling EVERYONE's parents, so no one feels singled out.
2006-09-19 10:51:10 · answer #2 · answered by Carma 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call when they are availible.
Frank McCourt is not talking about your situation, and frankly he is somewhat wrong. If you are honest about your assessment of student learning with student and are honest about what you communicate students will trust you and your ability to manage the classroom will increase.
Open honest communication is necessary even with "bad" students. This lets the guardian and student know that you are professional and fair in you class management.
You need to have a number of different methods to communicate with your parents since they are not all the same and digest the information differently, just like students.
2006-09-20 02:49:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call between 5:30 and 7:00 pm
I am a parent
2006-09-19 10:49:02 · answer #4 · answered by angeleloves 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am a high school student, and i would definatly not suggest calling. not only does it seem too time consuming, but students in high school are at the point in their lives where we're finally becomming independent, and we're being treated like adults. I know the one thing that students charish is respect from their teachers, and calling home is kind of degrading in a way (not to mention the thought of teachers talking to parents is always uncomfortable). If you must communicate to parents, i would use email, but email the student the same thing as well.
2006-09-19 12:08:09 · answer #5 · answered by whatever 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
EMAIL!!!
gives the parents an opportunity to ponder your report then respond without being put on the spot by a phone call
also puts the task at your convenience and their convenience
2006-09-21 12:59:13 · answer #6 · answered by Library Eyes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call on a Monday. You don't want to ruin the weekend for the whole family.
2006-09-19 11:39:59 · answer #7 · answered by ee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call at 6
2006-09-19 10:47:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is appropriate for teachers to call home unless something major happened. If I was failing a subject I think it could wait til a parent came in for an interview. I would not call unless the parent never attended interviews, in which case they probably wouldn't care if they don't make the time to find out whats going on with their child.
2006-09-19 10:54:14 · answer #9 · answered by Michelle 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
during the week because who wants to be worried with schools matters on the weekends..........
2006-09-19 10:51:44 · answer #10 · answered by simone :) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋