This article outlines five key points for educators to create effective relationships with families, providing both discussion and illustrations for each:
1. Be positive, proactive, and solution oriented.
2. Respect families' roles and cultural backgrounds in their children's lives.
3. Communicate consistently, listen to families' concerns, and work together.
4. Consider simple, natural supports that meet individual needs of students.
5. Empower families with knowledge and opportunities for involvement in the context of students' global needs.
Concrete strategies are offered for each; these are the eight related to Point 1:
"Point 1: Be positive, proactive, and solution oriented
* Send home a concise, easy-to-read description of your classroom expectations at the beginning of the year. List some of the potential consequences for meeting or not meeting expectations (e.g., reinforcers and punishers).
* Call families during the first week of school to share at least one positive thing their child has done at school.
* Share three positive comments about students for every one negative comment.
* Make a regular homework schedule, so families know what to expect each night and can set up a routine (e.g., 20 minutes of reading per night + math worksheet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and spelling on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Then, send home a description of your homework policy and schedule.
* Ask families to sign and return cover sheet on the items above, so you know they have received them.
* Send home clear directions with homework assignments instead of relying on students to remember directions you gave during class.
* Research specific disabilities of students in your class, while keeping in mind the fact that all students, even those who have the same disability, are unique.
* When discussing problems through notes or phone, always present ideas for possible solutions (e.g., "Tomorrow, we are going to try ____ to be more successful")."