Getting along with parents can sometimes be tough, but a little tact can go a long way. Good communication skills are important in any profession, but for the successful teacher, they are essential. Drawn from their new book, "Teacher Talk!" (Jossey-Bass, 2005), the authors present some snapshots of typical conflicts with parents, paired with…

Describes the action research process and provides practical guidelines for using the process to improve the education of children with disabilities and increase parental involvement. Laying the groundwork for action research, recruiting parents to participate in the research, and involving parents in each step are discussed. (CR)

A third-grade classroom teacher describes five methods of communication between parents and teachers: (1) the weekly folder, (2) the informative notice, (3) weekly visits by parents, (4) the daily note, and (5) after school assistance for students, with parents discussing students' progress with the teacher when they pick up their child. (DB)

Research has shown that parents can make significant contributions to the education of their severely emotionally disturbed children if given appropriate guidance by education professionals. To actively engage parents in educational processes, educators need to be skilled in effective communication strategies. Working with parents on one focused…

Teachers can learn specific behaviors that will promote trust and cooperation in their communication with parents. Effective communication in the parent-teacher conference includes a friendly greeting, eye contact, readiness to listen, positive statements, open and reflective responses, discussion of problem areas based on work examples, and…

Suggestions for helping teachers answer questions parents may ask on discipline, reading, and family situations are offered in this article. Teachers and parents can work together to solve problems dealing with their children and students. (DF)

Examines the importance of using student portfolios to monitor progress, assess learning, integrate subjects, encourage independent learning, foster collaboration, ease anxiety about grades, and facilitate parent/teacher conferences. The article helps teachers examine what they should already know about portfolios and presents suggestions about…

Tips for successful parent-teacher conferences concerning children with special needs focus on preventing a conflict cycle and developing a cooperation cycle. Specific suggestions to reduce stress levels and involve parents positively are offered for preconference behaviors, conference behaviors, and postconference behaviors. (DB)

This pamphlet is designed to help teachers of young children (in preschools, day care centers, or kindergartens) improve their working relationship with parents through productive parent-teacher conferences. Several steps to be taken early in the school year or even before school begins include establishing and maintaining communication,…

Suggestions for special education teachers preparing for parent-teacher conferences include: preparing a folder showing students' tests, assignments, and progress; and encouraging a two-way dialogue by providing a supportive environment. Suggestions for parents include being responsive and receptive to teachers' suggestions and asking for…

Offers guidelines and a model strategy to help teachers of young children conduct more productive parent teacher conferences. (BB)

Teachers can prepare themselves for angry confrontations with parents by learning how to cope with parent anger and channeling it into positive action. A five-step process, the I.D.E.A.L. system, is outlined and recommended as an effective technique for converting angry parents into collaborators. (IAH)

Guidelines for conducting home visits with parents of Title I students are presented. The guidelines include the following: (1) a list of purposes for home visits; (2) suggestions for what to do and what not to do when visiting; (3) types of information that parents can provide; and (4) ways to deal with difficult situations. Additional materials…

This publication is intended to help teachers and others who would like to improve their parent-teacher conferencing skills. Initial sections of the discussion center on the need for effective parent-teacher conferencing and roadblocks to such conferencing. Historical foundations of parent-teacher conferences are then considered. Interpersonal…

The book is intended to help educators become leaders in encouraging interagency cooperation and other community efforts to prevent child abuse. The first chapter discusses the school's role. Subsections consider: actions after reporting, communication with child protective services, sharing concerns, communication with parents, and education for…