Tips are presented for teachers to write letters to parents to encourage their participation in their child's writing program, and suggestions are also listed for parents to help improve their child's writing skills. (CB)

Anecdotes which illustrate student behavior can effectively communicate to parents information on positive or negative student behavior. This article describes the use of anecdotes in parent conferences, gives details on keeping anecdotal records of student behavior, and advises teachers on how to convey information to parents about student…

Volunteers can be an invaluable resource for teachers who are willing to take the time and energy necessary to train them. Guidelines for using volunteers as research aides, sources of special talent or experiences, links to the community, managers of classroom centers, and tutors are offered. (PP)

This tear-out, ready reference folder presents facts and statistics about the importance of parent involvement in schools. The folder includes data on how often parents and teachers meet, teacher preparation for parent involvement, the public's confidence in teachers and parents, and model programs. Resources for further information and names of…

Presents suggestions for getting parents involved in schools, noting reasons why parents stay away. Suggestions include recruiting parent liaisons, collaborating with parents on problems, sharing a meal, sponsoring a parent-student project night, making a special effort to say thanks, and getting other teachers and administrators involved. (SM)

The paper presents four steps to effective parent-teacher conferences that enable teachers to make parents partners in a team effort to strengthen students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Preconference worksheets for both parents and students to complete are attached. (SM)

Presents a list of 15 suggestions to help parents boost their children's self-esteem and create a safe, emotionally secure environment that offers a sense of belonging, purpose, and personal competence as well as the freedom to develop a unique identity. (SM)

Discusses parent/school cooperation in keeping students from falling behind while on a family trip. The teacher crafts various generic assignments that students can complete while vacationing, explains the projects to the parents (noting any needed materials) before their vacation, then has the student present the assignment to the class upon…

Presents ideas for teachers who want to get parents involved: start reaching out to parents before school starts; make written contact with parents and students before school begins; follow up with a phone call inviting their participation; communicate expectations; show commitment all year; and walk in a parent's shoes. (SM)

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)

Describes how parents can help teachers assess student writing. Initially, parents need training workshops and hands-on experience before evaluating student writing. The article presents tips for annual assessment, describes how one Pennsylvania school district scores students' writing, and suggests further uses for parent volunteers. (SM)

Students choose their own behavior, and teachers have the power to influence their choices. This article describes cooperative discipline and offers three strategies for positively influencing students' behavior: identifying the behavior, dealing with misbehavior immediately, and providing some encouragement. Resources for further information are…

Guidelines to keep conflicts from wreaking havoc at staff meetings, parent conferences, team meetings, and PTA functions include confronting tensions early, attacking problems not people, examining oneself, choosing issues carefully, requesting feedback, building trust, working together, and being prepared. (SM)

Discusses how to initiate good professional development options and how to evaluate existing professional development programs for appropriateness. Options noted are teacher networks, National Board certification, university collaborations, Professional Development Schools, and local staff development efforts. Some resource information is…

This article presents suggestions for culturally sensitive modifications to help students from all backgrounds learn better. The modifications include building trust, building a repertoire of instructional strategies, using effective questioning techniques, providing effective feedback, analyzing instructional materials, and establishing positive…