Current research by Harvard University found that text messaging between teachers and parents did connect with improved student achievement when the content of the texts was focused on instructional goals, rather than management or behaviors.
It was also noted in these studies that the tool of choice for parents is the SmartPhone. The percent of parents owning such a device has increased greatly over time with the % of parents owning such device being near or over 70%.
Tools, such as Remind and Class Dojo, are tools that support this type of parent communication. NOt only should teachers send out messages that inform all parents of instructional practice sand goals, but teachers also need to make individual contact with parents about their child's specific needs. Reaching out with not only concerns but with positive messages helped students be successful.
With that said, we need to be selective in choosing the right technologies to be connected. Maybe we should survey parents which technology best meets their need or which they are most apt to pay attention to. We certainly do not want to overload parents with more too much information, but rather, we want to find the best means of getting them the meaningful information.
Are you providing effective communication to your student's parents? Are you using tools that meet both your needs and their needs? What could you do differently to bridge the home - school connection?
Works Cited for this post:
Gilgore, Sara. "Probing the Impact of Parent-Teacher Digital Communication." Education Week. N.p., 15 Sept. 2015. Web. 18 June 2016.
Petrossi, Nadia. "Pupils and Schools Thrive When Parents Become Involved | The National." Pupils and Schools Thrive When Parents Become Involved | The National. N.p., 10 Mar. 2014. Web. 18 June 2016.
2 comments:
Even though I have seen Class Dojo at the elementary level, I don't feel it is something that I need to incorporate at the middle school level. I think Remind is useful for one class of students, but not necessarily 6+ classes. I can see using Remind with my families who will have children attending Concordia Language Villages for reminders and upcoming payments as the time gets closer. This past year I began to use Skyward Messenger more to inform families of upcoming events and also to give updates about the class. This also took the place of putting together a "newsletter" or having another site to update. This year I want to take it a step farther and add on when quizzes/tests/projects are due since this was more of a concern.
Even though I have seen Class Dojo at the elementary level, I don't feel it is something that I need to incorporate at the middle school level. I think Remind is useful for one class of students, but not necessarily 6+ classes. I can see using Remind with my families who will have children attending Concordia Language Villages for reminders and upcoming payments as the time gets closer. This past year I began to use Skyward Messenger more to inform families of upcoming events and also to give updates about the class. This also took the place of putting together a "newsletter" or having another site to update. This year I want to take it a step farther and add on when quizzes/tests/projects are due since this was more of a concern.
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