Communication is the key to any student's success.

I want to make it as easy and as

comfortable as possible for my parents to talk with me as frequently as they deem necessary so
that our year together is successful. So please, feel free to contact me through this website, send
me an email, or leave a message through the school office and I will get back with you at my
earliest convenience. I want to empower you, as the parent or caregiver of my student to be as
involved with his or her education as I am. I want to hear your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. I
am grateful that you chose me as your child's teacher and I want to work alongside you to ensure
your child's success.
Studies have shown that when there is parent/teacher communication, the student is more
likely to succeed (Olmstead, C. (2013). Technology has made it very easy for parents and
teachers to communicate about everything that is required and expected of the student. With
technology, teachers can send out group text messages to parents of upcoming assignments
giving parents the opportunity to help the student if need be. Technology also provides the
opportunity for parents to see current grades as they come up or possibly assignments that are
missing. Technology is also used to provide vital information about school wide
announcements, upcoming events, or school policies even school lunch and breakfast menus.
Having all of this information at the click of a button allows for better communication between
parent and teacher creating a productive environment for the student.
All of these areas where technology is being used can provide parents with ample
information on daily activities within the school, assignment responsibilities, and behavioral
expectations but it is not a one-sided deal. Schools and teachers encourage parent feedback.
Teachers want to hear from parents about what is working well and what isnt. Teachers want to
know if there are extenuating circumstances and this responsibility lies on the parents.

Thankfully, with technology, this too is right at our fingertips. A lot of parents work outside the
home and scheduling conferences is not an easy thing to do. Solution send a quick email to the
childs teacher explaining the reason for contact and the teacher will get back to you in a timely
manner.
Technology is not just a way of communicating between parents and teachers but is also
used as a way to teach communication. For some, communication is not with words but rather,
through visual symbols or through sign language. These individuals can use technology to
enhance their communication skills. Technology allows them to put their thoughts into action
the way no other tool can. This is called assistive technology and includes a variety of devices
and services that enable people with disabilities to participate in learning and social experiences
(Skau, L., & Cascella, P. W. (2006).
In either case, technology is a wonderful tool designed to make life easier and more
productive. It is there to connect us so that we are all striving for the same goals. Technology in
the classroom and schools is there to assist in learning and to pave the way for parent to teacher
communication. I encourage you to use it, to learn from it, and to gain from it.


References
Olmstead, C. (2013). Using Technology to Increase Parent Involvement in Schools. Techtrends:
Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 57(6), 28-37. doi:10.1007/s11528-013-
06990
Skau, L., & Cascella, P. W. (2006). Using Assistive Technology to Foster Speech and Language
Skills at Home and in Preschool. (Cover story). Teaching Exceptional Children, 38(6), 12-17.