As classrooms are readied for the influx of students, school leaders preparing to engage with parents and families for the first time have an opportunity to help them see their school as a place where everyone learns and improves throughout the year. Taking the time to help parents understand how teachers learn and connecting it to student success is one of the best ways to elicit their support for high-quality professional learning that makes a difference for students.
Just like policymakers need a solid grasp of the fundamentals of the science behind adult learning to enact good policies advancing educator effectiveness, parents need that information, too, in order to get a fuller picture of what’s happening in classrooms that impacts their student. As educators, let’s not assume parents aren’t interested in how the school supports teachers in sharpening their instructional practice to reach every student. Let’s encourage them to find out more.
“Parents know when teacher professional learning or in-service days are happening,” said Frederick Brown, Learning Forward president and CEO, “but as a field, it’s on us to tell them more about how teachers best learn and improve, not only in workshops and sessions, but every day, as professional learning that’s deeply embedded in their daily work.”
It’s important for parents and the broader community to know that teachers have dedicated time for planning and collaborative learning, and that what they’re learning directly connects to the school’s and district’s goals for improvement and student success. Brown, a former classroom teacher and school leader, also encourages principals to write down a couple of talking points when preparing to meet with parents. “If their child has a new teacher, for example, the parents might appreciate knowing about how new teachers are mentored. It’s a great way to open the door to a strong parent-school connection, as allies united for the student’s success.”
Boosting student success begins with standards-based learning and teaching
Learning Forward’s professional learning advocacy resources includes an information guide for parents, How our teachers help your child excel. Brown encourages leaders to hand the guide out to parents and encourage them to ask questions and engage throughout the year.
Ask. Encourage parents to ask questions:
- What professional learning opportunities do teachers have this year?
- How are these programs connected to student needs in our community?
- How do teachers share whay they’ve learned with colleagues?
Engage. Professional learning is one important component of building stronger schools. Throughout the year, parents can:
- Support learning at home by reinforcing strategies teachers use in class
- Attend parent-teacher conferences with questions about learning strategies and student progress.
- Find out about the school’s online portal or other digital communication platforms and check regularly for updates about school news and what students are learning.
Partner. A strong school-parent partnership is a powerful indicator of student achievement. Teachers bring professional expertise; parents bring deep knowledge of their child’s strengths, challenges, and interests. Together, they can create a learning plan that is personal, motivating, and effective.
“Back-to-school isn’t just a time for supply lists and schedules,” Brown added. “It’s a time to build relationships. When parents understand and support how teachers learn, they help every child’s education flourish.”
“When teachers grow, students grow,” said Brown. “Professional learning ensures educators can meet each child’s needs and make learning more engaging and effective. Parents have a vital role in supporting these opportunities.”
