Last week we had a virtual back- to-night. During the evening, we spoke to parents but our discussions were mostly about what they would be seeing and experiencing when we eventually went back to school.
In my opinion, we should have been talking to parents about what they should be seeing, expecting, and helping with during this period of virtual teaching and learning, not about what to expect when we get back to school.
What do you think about this approach to back-to-school night? What do you think our responsibility is to parents during this time of COVID-19? How is your school dealing with parents and how are you keeping them updated as to what is needed during this period of time? How did your school structure its back-to-school night? What type of outreach has your school done in order to keep parents updated?
My district held a virtual back to school night as well but it was held through pre-recorded videos. I was able to record my back to school night presentations using Zoom and the power points I have used in the past. This year I did add pictures of changes to our physical classroom and set up as well as shared my virtual Bitmoji Classroom with parents. Our back to school philosophy is that it is a time to share an overview of our course not deal with specifics or personal questions. Parents were provided links to view each teacher's presentation over a span of 5 days. In terms of outreach to parents during this time, it varies as to the type of school. Our high school sends out a monthly newsletter but in general, tends to communicate directly to students with day to day information. In the middle school, my principal sends out a detailed newsletter with information about the upcoming week for parents. - Kathleen
ReplyDeleteThe district I am student teaching in had a virtual back to school meeting for parents, however I am unsure how it went. I do think it is important that teachers are opening up a direct line for communication and keeping parents updated with new information. Yesterday, I observed in person for the first time and unfortunately some parents were confused on the new zoom meeting schedule. A letter did go out to parents the week prior, however these parents must have not checked their email over the weekend. I think it is really hard right now to keep in contact with parents and I do not think it is my cooperating teacher's fault. I thought my cooperating teacher handle the situation well because the parents were really upset with the situation. She was very kind to these parents and explained that she would do her best to send multiple updates to parents.
ReplyDeleteThe school I am attending for my student teaching already had their virtual back to school and I think that most of the parents were concerned with how to navigate the sites their children are using to complete their assignments. They wanted to make sure that their children were getting all of there work done and asked for clarifications on assignments. I think it is even more important now that teachers keep in touch with parents so that parents are aware of how their child is doing in school during this difficult time. I know that before back to school night my teacher had already spoken to numerous parents about students and making sure they were getting their work done.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of addressing the back to school night that Cori experienced, I find it frustrating that parents are not as concerned about how their children are doing now, but are rather concerned about something in the future that may not even happen. Now more than ever these students need to have the help and support of their parents in order to get through this challenging time in education. While it is completely understandable that parents want to know what to expect when their children go back to school in-person, I feel that it is more important that they focus on what is happening right now with virtual learning.