1. How long have you been teaching, and how much experience do you have in this specific grade level?
2. What is your educational background and teacher training?
3. Can you tell me about your teaching philosophy or style?
4. How do you differentiate instruction for students with varying abilities and learning styles?
5. How often should I expect updates on my child’s progress, and what communication method do you prefer (e.g., email, phone calls, conferences)?
6. What are the main academic goals for this school year, and how will these goals be measured?
7. Are there specific homework policies in place? If so, what are they?
8. How do you approach classroom management, and what are the consequences for behavioral problems?
9. What opportunities are there for parent involvement (e.g., volunteering in the classroom)?
10. Are there additional resources available if my child needs extra support (e.g., tutoring or counseling services)?
11. How will social-emotional learning be incorporated into the lessons?
12. Do you implement project-based learning or group work within your curriculum?
13. How does technology play a role in your classroom, and what can I expect regarding my child’s use of digital tools at school?
14. What do you recommend regarding home support for my child’s learning (e.g., reading materials, websites)?
15. Are there opportunities for students to explore extracurricular activities, like clubs or sports teams? If so, when can my child sign up?
16. How do you handle students who fall behind or need additional help and support in the classroom?
17. What are some of the critical milestones in this grade level that will be monitored throughout the year?
18. How can I best support you as a parent and partner in my child’s education?
19. What are your expectations for attendance and punctuality at school?
20. Is there anything else I should know about you, the classroom environment, or the school policies to help ensure my child’s success?

When attending meetings with your child’s teacher, it’s essential to ask these questions, as they provide insights into the teacher’s approach and how your child will be supported throughout the academic year. By establishing a strong foundation with open communication lines, you’ll create an environment where your child can thrive—both academically and socially.

The post 20 Questions to Ask Your Child’s New Teacher appeared first on The Edvocate.

Learn About the School Board Meetings and Board Members

Begin by attending a couple of board meetings to see how they are structured. You can also ask them to register your email address so that you can receive emails about future board meetings. These messages will share the objectives for the upcoming meetings, so you can better decide which ones to attend.

Try to update yourself on who has been elected to the board. This will help you understand their inclinations and interests. 

You can approach those who you think will be most involved in the needs of children and parents. When you raise an issue in the board meetings, these people could be valuable allies who will advocate for your concerns.

Encourage Other Parents To Join the Meeting

If you know any parents whose children struggle with the same challenges that you and your child do, encourage them to attend the meetings, as well. When you raise your concerns, these parents will also express their issues and support you.

If you don’t know any such parents and want to find supportive parents, there are several places you can look:

• Your district’s special education parent committee
• Local dyslexia support groups
• Neighborhood groups or parent organizations, like PTA or PTO

Even if you find one such parent, the chances are that they can get you acquainted with other parents who would support you when you speak up.

Find Out If You Can Approach a Local Teachers’ Group

Many teachers are encouraged to develop professional learning communities (PLCs). These groups engage in learning different ways to help support students. It would be quite helpful to approach such a group and persuade them to support your issue.

Be Prepared To Speak Up

When you attend a couple of meetings, you will know how much time parents get to speak. Prepare a speech under this time limit and practice it so that you are prepared and convincing. 

It is best to include statistics to show how many students are suffering and that it is not just one child. Remain polite yet resolute.

Concluding Thoughts

Parents are concerned about things that affect their children, but they often do not realize the power that student board meetings give them.

You can attend your child’s board meetings and speak up on relevant issues. Keep in mind the tips we have shared above, and you will be able to help your child, as well as many other students who are dealing with the same issues.

The post How To Get the Most Out Of Your Child’s School Board Meeting appeared first on The Edvocate.

When speaking to children, using clear and concise language is important. For example, instead of saying, “please stop doing that,” try saying, “could you please not do that?” This will help children to better understand what you want them to do and will also help to foster a sense of responsibility and accountability.

It is also important to know how your words may be interpreted. For example, if you say, “you’re a big boy/girl,” do not be surprised if your child assumes that this means they are a bad person. Instead, use words your child will understand, such as “you’re doing a great job” or “you’re doing the best you can.”

Finally, remember that parenting is a process. Being patient and allowing your children to learn and grow is important. Do not get frustrated if things do not always go according to plan; instead, try to calmly and rationally discuss the situation with your child. Parents who use clear and concise communication and words their children will understand are more likely to have successful parenting experiences.

The post Less Jargon, More Grace: Using Language That Parents Understand appeared first on The Edvocate.

What is evidence-based practice?

Evidence-based practice is a way of doing things that is based on scientific evidence. When implementing evidence-based practices, it is important to be aware of the different types of evidence. There is scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of evidence-based practices, and there is also anecdotal evidence that supports the effectiveness of these practices. However, it is important to be clear about the difference between the two types of evidence. Scientific evidence is evidence that has been gathered through the use of rigorous research methods. An anecdotal example of scientific evidence is the study that found a link between sugar consumption and obesity. An anecdotal example of scientific evidence is the study that found a link between sugar consumption and obesity.

How does evidence-based practice work?

Evidence-based practice involves using scientific evidence to make decisions. When implementing evidence-based practices, it is important to be aware of the four steps involved in evidence-based decision-making. The first step is to identify the problem. The second step is to gather information about the problem. The third step is to evaluate the information. The fourth step is to make a decision based on the information.

How can parents implement evidence-based practices in their child’s school?

There are a variety of ways that parents can implement evidence-based practices in their child’s school. One way is to provide feedback to the school on the effectiveness of the practices. Another way is to support the school in implementing the practices. Parents can also provide feedback to the teachers on how the practices are being implemented.

The post <strong>Evidence-Based Practices at School: A Guide for Parents</strong> appeared first on The Edvocate.

1. Establish clear goals for getting parents more involved.

It can be helpful to establish specific goals for getting parents more involved in their children’s education. This can help you track your progress and ensure that you’re making the most progress possible.

2. Make it easy for parents to get involved.

One way to make it easy for parents to get involved is to make it easy for them to access information about their children’s education. This can include providing them with easy access to school newsletters, electronic newsletters, and other educational resources.

3. Make it fun for parents.

Another way to make it fun for parents to get involved is to create educational activities that are enjoyable and engaging. This can help to foster a sense of involvement and involvement in the child’s education.

4. Encourage parental involvement.

One of the best ways to encourage parental involvement is to give parents the tools they need to be successful. This can include providing them with education resources, helping to set up family meetings, and providing support throughout the process.

The post <strong>Getting Parents Involved in Schools</strong> appeared first on The Edvocate.

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing more remote learning, parents have had to take on a more active role in their child’s education. This shift has highlighted the gap between parents’ perceptions of their child’s academic performance and the reality of how far behind their child may be in school.

Parents may notice their child struggling with a particular subject or falling behind in assignments, but they may not realize the magnitude of this academic gap. Teachers design curriculums to build on previous knowledge gained in earlier grades and to prepare students for their next level of education. It is not enough for a student to just pass a class; they must have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to move on to the next level.

Unfortunately, many children have missed significant amounts of education time due to the pandemic. Even with online classes, children have faced distractions, technical difficulties, and the inability to ask for help on the spot. As a result, children are falling behind in their studies, and parents may not fully comprehend the depth of this problem. For instance, a child who misses two months of school may not understand the fundamental concepts that are vital in their education, putting them behind other children their age.

Additionally, teachers often observe and evaluate each child’s level of proficiency. If a child does not meet the standards set for their grade level, teachers usually implement interventions to close the gap. However, with remote learning, teachers cannot closely monitor each student’s performance. This lack of in-person contact often means that significant gaps in learning can go unnoticed.

In conclusion, it is vital for parents to understand the full scope of their child’s education progress. They must realize that catching up their child’s missed education time is essential to their academic future and attempt to provide support. Being aware of the curriculum, standards, and academic expectations set for their child’s grade level can help parents track their child’s progress accurately. Parents must recognize the existing academic gap to ensure their child receives the best chance for future academic success.     

The post Parents Don’t Understand How Far Behind Their Kids Are in School appeared first on The Edvocate.

One type of parent that teachers secretly hate is the authoritarian parent. These parents often do not allow their children to have any type of expression other than those sanctioned by them. The authoritarian parent often sets the standard for what is acceptable and unacceptable in education, and their children often reflect this in their behavior and thoughts.

The second type of parent that teachers secretly hate is the demanding parent. These parents are always asking for more from their children than they are willing to give. They often expect their children to do more than they are willing to do themselves. This can lead to tension and conflict between the parents and their children, which can negatively affect the education of their children.

The third type of parent that teachers secretly hate is the judgmental parent. These parents are always critical of their children and their behavior. They often look down on them and their choices, and they often do not enjoy having their children around. This can lead to tension and conflict between parents and their children, which can negatively affect the education of their children.

All parents have some type of negative effect on the education of their children. The type of parent that teachers secretly hate is the authoritarian parent. The demanding parent and the judgmental parent can also negatively affect the education of their children.

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1. Talk to someone about your situation. Talking to someone can help you to get some understanding and support.

2. Take steps to protect your children. Make sure that you’re taking steps to protect your children from harm.

3. Seek help. There are many resources available to you if you need them.

4. Don’t put yourself in a position to harm yourself. If you’re thinking of suicide, don’t do anything that could put you in a position to harm yourself or your children.

The post What to Do When You’re a Parent Contemplating Suicide appeared first on The Edvocate.

PTA’s history can be traced back to 1897, when Phoebe Apperson Hearst and Alice McLellan Birney established the National Congress of Parents and Teachers. Its goal was to improve students’ lives in terms of academics, health, and safety. Later, in 1926, the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers was set up by Selena Sloan Butler to advocate for African American students in segregated communities. On June 22, 1970, the two associations unified to make up what’s known today as the National PTA.

PTA’s mission is to make each student’s potential a reality by getting their families and communities involved and empowered to advocate for all children. PTA’s key values are:

·         Commitment: It’s dedicated to students’ academic success, health, and well-being via strong engagement of their families and communities while remaining accountable to the principles that serve as the foundation of the association.

·         Collaboration: It will work in partnership with different organizations and individuals to widen and enhance its ability to serve and support all students and their families.

·         Diversity: The association acknowledges the potential of everyone, irrespective of their educational background, culture, age, financial status, gender, ethnicity, legal status, geographic location, marital status, national origin, mental ability, organizational position, physical ability, parental status, political philosophy, religion, race, work experience, and sexual orientation.

·         Respect: It values the individual contributions of employees, members, partners, and volunteers as it functions collaboratively to accomplish the association’s goals.

·         Accountability: All PTA employees, members, partners, and volunteers have a shared responsibility to line up their efforts to accomplish the association’s strategic plans.

Studies have shown that students’ performance gets a significant boost when their parents are engaged in their learning. Thus, it becomes important for parents to join a local PTA and get involved in their children’s school, their learning process, and the education of everyone in their community.

Today, schools face challenges like the lack of educational equity and shrinking budgets. This makes the PTA role’s more crucial than ever. This association provides programs on fortifying family-school partnerships. Additionally, it makes available free resources for members on subjects and areas like STEM, health and safety, etc. By joining the PTA, parents can become part of a powerful association that can advocate for educators and students at the national, state and local levels.

The post The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA): Everything You Need to Know appeared first on The Edvocate.

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