For much of the country, the first batch of reports cards are about to be issued, followed by begging and pleading from students and, eventually, phone calls or emails from parents. A conversation with the parents of a struggling student need not be awkward or intimidating. After all, you’re both on the same side: the student’s.
Here are some things to keep in mind when that phone rings.
Make sure this isn’t your first contact
This conversation will automatically be awkward if it’s the first conversation you’re having with these parents. Hopefully you made it a point to reach out earlier in the year, just to introduce yourself and establish a rapport. If you still have time before report card day, drop a quick email to all the parents letting them know that report cards are coming (especially if you feel there will be a lot of bad news this grading period). You don’t want the start of your relationship to be based around their child’s lack of success.
Check out the student’s history
I hope that your LMS is one in which you can see a child’s previous grades all the way back to when they entered the district. Perhaps the kid is a perennial slow starter. Maybe he struggled a bit at the end of last year, and since your curriculum for the first grading period was review from last year’s, of course he would still struggle. The more information you can gather before talking to the parents, the better informed everyone will be.
Put the grades into context
Many states are beefing up their standards this year, which has meant a more rigorous curriculum. Of course, there will be a period of adjustment! Some parents don’t know about the changes, so take this opportunity to inform them about the landscape. Make it a point of mentioning that their student isn’t the only one having these “growing pains” (as long as that’s the truth). If there is no need to panic, make sure the parents understand that.
Collaborate on a plan of action
The parents will feel a lot better about the situation if there is something they can do. Instead of advocating a “wait and see” approach, enlist their help. If the student could use some help with organization, have the parents sign a daily planner with any assignments that are due. Give them a heads-up when a big project is coming up so they can prepare themselves to help their child. Offer to arrange a conference with the child’s other teachers if yours is not the only trouble class for the student. If you give them something to do, the parents won’t feel as helpless.