Best+Practices+-+Parents



Best Practice – Parents **

The following describes activities that constitute “best practice” in developing and maintaining positive relationships with parents:

· The school principal makes sure that he/she knows the community and the history and culture of the school. He/she values the school’s past and its traditions; · The school principal has developed a clearly articulated and shared vision for the school; · The school principal nurtures conditions which build partnerships between parents and the school; · The school principal practices and models open, two-way communication between the school and parents (both individual parents and the PAC); · The school principal is visible and approachable. He/she takes the time to greet and chat with parents informally; · The school principal respects parents and behaves in such a way as to garner the respect of parents; · The school principal ensures that parents have the opportunity to be heard; · The school principal ensures that the school atmosphere is welcoming to parents; · The school principal ensures that parents are kept well-informed about their children, about classroom and school events and about school policies/procedures; · The school principal ensures that the school is “user friendly” (procedures/rules are clear, parents know how to get the information they need); · The school principal anticipates problems and utilizes effective strategies to minimize difficulties. He/she is pro-active; · The school principal recognizes that problems will occur and he/she uses effective strategies to resolve conflicts;

· The school principal ensures that teachers and other staff members receive training related to working with parents.