The majority of parents that you encounter as a teacher are genuinely concerned about their children's education. They are interested in assisting schools and supporting teachers. However, a small percentage of parents present a challenge for teachers. While you should recognize that you may not change a parent's attitude toward you or the school, communication is one of the best methods to thwart and prevent confrontations. When communicating with challenging parents, you can use a variety of strategies for coping with or neutralizing the situation.

Recognize Parents as Important Participants

Parents should be respected for their knowledge of their child and for the validity of their concerns. Teachers who recognize and exhibit positive attitudes toward parental involvement communicate a powerful message.

Increase Communication with Parents

Parents and schools will always share the responsibility for educating students, but it is up to teachers to communicate with parents about school and classroom issues. Use the following strategies in your efforts to improve communication.

• Communicate often. These communications should be inviting, ongoing, and encouraging. When you clearly communicate class goals, expectations, and grading policies and procedures, many potentially difficult situations may be easily avoided because parents and students remain informed.
• Document communications. Various modes of communication may be utilized, including newsletters, Web sites, e-mails, parent meetings, telephoning, progress reports, personal notes, and conferences. Each communication should be documented.
• Share information about class activities. Share details about the educational experiences students are having in your class. Be sure to inform parents of the purposes, specific academic goals, and learning objectives associated with the activities you decide to share.

Strategies for Resolving Conflicts

To improve your chances of reaching an effective solution, you can employ a conflict resolution model as a basic agenda. By following these five simple steps, you can involve parents in resolving the conflict and reaching an agreeable solution.

• Five Steps to Conflict Resolution
  1. Identify the problem.
  2. Brainstorm solutions.
  3. Evaluate solutions.
  4. Select a solution.
  5. Plan how to document and assess progress.

While relatively simple in nature, a conflict resolution method maintains the focus of the conference. Recognizing that comments may be sidetracked, you can bring the conversation back to the original concern-the needs of the student.