Saturday, September 16, 2017

No Parent Left Behind

The development of trusting relationships with parents must be intentional, and can significantly enhance their student's success.  Following are 13 practical and invitational tips for teachers and administrators (that I have used or abused over the years as an educator and parent :-) to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of parent conferences.
  1. Meet with the parent at their convenience if at all possible.
    • Try to respect the schedules of waiting or working parents when feasible. 
  2. Avoid assuming the outcome of the meeting before it ever takes place.
    • Often negative and/or past experiences can cloud our judgement or unfairly lower our expectations. 
  3. Be prepared for the conference.
    • Know the student's name, parent's name, reason for the conference, performance of the student, situation at home ... and gather any available data to support. 
  4. Welcome the parent and greet them with a smile (and thank them for attending).
    • Our non-verbal communication speaks loudly about our attitude toward the conference.
  5. Avoid overwhelming the parent(s) with too many staff members present (when possible).
    • Parents often feel outnumbered, intimidated, and undervalued by large numbers of school staff. 
  6. Relax and LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!
    • Our anxiety often causes us to dominate the conversation, assume intent, and never clearly hear or understand the parent's concern or perspective.  There is much dignity in being heard. 
  7. Always begin the school's response with some positive statements that all present can agree upon.
    • Four examples are validating the parent's time and support of their child, recognizing strengths of the child, emphasizing agreement by all to work together in the best interest of the child, and mentioning that some (or all) staff members in the room share the role of parents as well. 
  8. The "my child" test helps all staff involved to keep the best interest of the child in focus.
    • In other words, how would I want the school to respond if this situation involved my child? (This will not help without authentic empathy.)
  9. Avoid using educational jargon or acronyms that may confuse parents.
    • The goal of the conference is not to impress or isolate the parent, but rather to involve and inform the parent while reaching consensus in the best interest of their child. 
  10. Avoid offering parental judgements or suggestions until they ask for our help.
    • The parent(s) may be doing the best they can in their current situation, and such advisement may be better offered (and received) in a separate, one-on-one setting. 
  11. Agree to disagree when an impasse is reached. 
    • Often small roadblocks in the conference can become major obstacles that sadly are more about the adults in the room ... and less about the student's welfare or addressing the primary issue. 
  12. On those rare occasions when a conference becomes volatile, we have two choices.
    • First is to calmly remind and redirect all involved that we are all here in the best interest of the student. If that consensus remains difficult or doubtful, the conference can respectfully be ended (often by an administrator)... to hopefully resume at a later date when emotions have settled. 
  13. When the answer to the parent is NO, take time to respectfully and clearly explain (to the parents) the policy or professional judgement behind the decision. 
    • Many parents may be unaware of district or state guidelines ... or may trust the experience of those in the room ... if we are willing to take the time to earn that trust. 

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

What I Learned my First Year as Principal!

  • The physical and emotional safety and welfare of the children is priority #1 each day.  
    • Without a safe environment ... nothing else matters.  
  • Priority #2 is to hire the right teachers.
    • Find teachers who love kids, have a passion for teaching and learning, and are great teammates. 
  • Place students, when possible, with teachers who are a strategic fit for their learning style and social development.  (Extremely important in the elementary years)
    • Develop a placement team with staff members that best know your students and teachers.
  • Emphasize only 1 major instructional initiative per year that reinforces your data assessment.
    • Strategically select so that it has longevity because of its usefulness, benefit to students, and alignment to your strategic plan.    
  • Litmus test for any new program or initiative ... answer must be YES to all three!
    • #1 Right program?  #2 Right school?  #3  Right time?
  • Power must be respected, purposeful, and polite!
    • Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character ... give him power.  -Abraham Lincoln
  • Support your staff with prioritizing their life outside of school as spouses, parents, caregivers, volunteers, etc.
    • The result will be an appreciation, focus, and peace-of-mind that benefits all.  
  • Hire an AP, when possible, that balances your personality and excels in your areas of challenge.
    • Delegation is critical and succeeds when your colleague complements you.
  • Listen to concerned or frustrated parents (and staff).
    • There is great dignity in being heard, and sometimes this is all they expect or desire.  
  • Align your mission, vision, instructional framework, and strategic plan.  
    • This consistency and congruency will enhance understanding and engagement from all stakeholders.  
  • Don't fear transparency and vulnerability.
    • It is normal and OK to be wrong, admit it, and apologize as you "grow" through it!
  • Highly value your trustworthy and organized Bookkeeper.
    • Financial mismanagement or carelessness can get you fired!
  • Make decisions according to (#1) what is best for the students and (#2) based on your best teachers.  (#2 per Todd Whitaker)
    • This perspective will often make a difficult decision easier. 
  • Good teachers want you to visit their classrooms regularly.  
    • They are excited to share their planning, creativity, and resulting engagement and learning.  
  • Make major decisions carefully, prayerfully, and with wise counsel.  
    • Often your final confirmation is one conversation or fact away.  
  • Keep your superintendent informed of major issues ... 
    • ... but lead the school as empowered with a humble, yet confident spirit!
  • When the school succeeds, share the credit!
    • When there is a mistake or failure, publicly own the blame and privately/honestly/respectfully address any others responsible.  
  • One of the greatest gifts we can offer teachers is TIME!
    • Be creative in offering as much time as possible to plan, collaborate, catch up, or get ahead.    

Saturday, September 2, 2017

What I LOVE about our TEACHERS!

  • They arrive early or stay late!  
  • They smile and laugh a lot!
  • They encourage each other on tough days or during difficult seasons of life!  
  • They often forgive and move on!    
  • They embrace their necessary duties beyond the classroom!
  • They get to know their students in and out of school!
  • They keep our students physically and emotionally safe!  
  • They extensively plan, first with each student in mind, then each standard!
  • They understand the value of teamwork and enjoy being/working together!
  • They manage their weaknesses and build on their strengths!
  • They are flexible! 
  • They value, emphasize, and integrate literacy instruction!
  • They keep the focus on student engagement and learning!
  • They innovate and differentiate by embracing and integrating technology!
  • They are extremely innovative and patient in dealing with students struggling academically or behaviorally!
  • They keep parents informed, recognizing the value of their engagement and support! 
  • They prioritize their roles as a spouse, parent, or caregiver!
  • They appreciate the resources our school, district, PTO, and community offer!  
  • They hold themselves accountable! 
  • They often offer a solution when presenting a problem or concern!
  • They hold me accountable! 
  • They try to remember each day what it was like to be a student!
  • They make me proud!