As an intermediate teacher for the last 10 years, the biggest frustration parents communicate to me they have with their teen is that they don't often share all the details of their learning with them. ESPECIALLY when it comes to tests, quizzes and assessments!! This leads parents to feel out of the loop when it comes to their child's education. I have attempted to bridge that communication gap over the years in a number of ways; daily agendas, assessments folders that went home regularly, blog posts, Instagram photos and recently, Twitter posts. All have been helpful in one way or another to raise parents engagement and awareness of classroom happenings.
This year, I undertook a new project in hopes of really connecting with parents. I have been using an app in class to document student assessments through photographs. Seesaw empowers students to independently document what they are learning at school. Students can “show what they know” using photos, videos, drawings, text, PDFs, and links. Every test, quiz or project is digitally filed in each students folder, from there parents can go in and check themselves on student progress throughout the year. I often update twitter to say when assessments have been added to the folder for parents to check.
I have received positive feedback from parents using this system. They are appreciative that they can be more apart of students marks and that there are less surprises come report card time. I IMPLORE parents of my class to check, talk and hold their student accountable for their work!
This week your son or daughter will be bringing home an instructions sheet that details how parents can get online to view their child's folder. If you have ANY questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Check out the link here to learn more!