Why building relationships with parents matters
Establishing strong partnerships with parents is crucial for several reasons:
- Improved academic outcomes. Research consistently shows that parental engagement is positively associated with better academic achievement (Education Endowment Foundation [EEF], 2018).
- Enhanced student well-being. When parents and teachers work together, it creates a supportive environment that benefits students' social and emotional development (Hornby & Blackwell, 2018).
- Increased student motivation. Students tend to be more motivated and engaged when they see their parents actively involved in their education (EEF, 2018).
- Better behaviour management. Collaborative approaches between home and school can lead to more consistent behaviour expectations and improved student conduct (Hornby & Blackwell, 2018).
Challenges and barriers to positive communication
There are several obstacles can hinder effective parent-teacher relationships:
- Time constraints. Both parents and teachers often struggle with busy schedules, making regular communication challenging (Hornby & Blackwell, 2018).
- Cultural and language barriers. Diverse school populations may face communication difficulties due to language differences or cultural misunderstandings (EEF, 2018).
- Negative past experience. Some parents may have had poor experiences with education, leading to reluctance in engaging with schools (Hornby & Blackwell, 2018).
- Socio-economic factors. Work commitments, transportation issues, or childcare responsibilities can limit parents' ability to participate in school activities (EEF, 2018).
Strategies for secondary classroom teachers
1. Establish clear communication channels
- Utilise a mix of communication methods, including email, text messages, and online platforms, to cater to different parent preferences (EEF, 2018).
- Set up a class website or use existing school platforms to share regular updates on curriculum content and upcoming assessments.
2. Provide specific guidance for home learning
- Offer clear, subject-specific advice on how parents can support their child's learning at home (EEF, 2018).
- Create short video tutorials or written guides explaining key concepts and study techniques relevant to your subject.
3. Personalise communication
- Regularly share positive feedback about students' progress and achievements with parents.
- When discussing concerns, focus on specific, actionable steps that parents can take to support their child.
Strategies for tutors and teachers with pastoral responsibilities
1. Develop a holistic understanding of students
- Conduct 'getting to know you' activities at the start of the year, involving both students and parents.
- Use this information to tailor support and communication throughout the year.
2. Implement regular check-ins
- Schedule termly phone calls or virtual meetings with parents to discuss their child's overall progress and well-being.
- Be proactive in reaching out to parents of students who may be struggling academically or socially.
3. Facilitate parent support networks
- Organise parent workshops or support groups focusing on common challenges faced by secondary school students, such as exam stress or social media use.
- Encourage peer-to-peer support among parents, fostering a sense of community within the school.
Getting support to implement these strategies
To effectively put these strategies into action, consider the following:
- Collaborate with colleagues. Share best practices and resources within your department and across the school.
- Seek professional development. Attend workshops or webinars focused on parent engagement strategies.
- Utilise school resources. Work with your school's IT department to set up and maintain digital communication platforms.
- Engage with school leadership. Advocate for school-wide initiatives that support parent partnerships.
Key takeaways for secondary teachers
- Prioritise building positive relationships with parents from the outset.
- Use a variety of communication methods to ensure all parents can engage effectively.
- Provide specific, actionable guidance for supporting learning at home.
- Be proactive in communication, especially for students who may be struggling.
- Recognise and address potential barriers to parental involvement.
- Continuously seek ways to improve and adapt your parent engagement strategies.
By implementing these strategies, secondary school teachers can foster strong partnerships with parents, ultimately benefiting students' academic achievement and overall well-being.
References
Education Endowment Foundation. (2018). Working with Parents to Support Children's Learning: Guidance Report.
Hornby, G., & Blackwell, I. (2018). Barriers to parental involvement in education: an update. Educational Review, 70(1), 109-119.
