Dive Brief:
- Parent engagement is a critical component of student achievement, but busy schedules and other factors have made the traditional parent-teacher conference a difficult proposition for many families, according to EdTech: Focus on K-12.
- To account for this, educators can expand their communications tools to include digital options like websites or newsletters, adopt messaging apps like Remind to inform parents about routine matters, use videoconferencing for parent meetings, or use social media to keep parents informed.
- Seeking parent feedback can help educators adopt the communication formats that work best for their school community, and EdTech points out that new data tools have also made it easier to communicate information like student progress when the time for meetings does arrive.
Dive Insight:
Most parents want to be involved, but finding the time is difficult. In many families today, both parents likely work — and among lower-income school communities, one or both parents often work multiple jobs. Connecting with parents in those circumstances can be difficult for educators, though doing so also remains a key component in raising student achievement.
Fortunately, technology has made it easier to find a way that works for all involved. Schools and districts can start by surveying parents on their preferred methods of communication and developing a strategy around that. Knowing what methods parents see as most effective and convenient — as well as those they value least — can make a world of difference in keeping them informed.
