1. Formal Reporting:
* Report Cards/Progress Reports: These are standard, formal documents summarizing academic performance across different subjects and skills. Resource teachers should clearly articulate the student's progress in areas they support, using specific, measurable language avoiding overly technical jargon. They might also include qualitative comments describing the student's strengths, challenges, and learning strategies.
* Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan Updates: For students with IEPs or 504 plans, progress towards goals is a central component of reporting. Resource teachers play a key role in documenting the student's progress or lack thereof in these plans and discussing them with parents.
2. Informal Communication:
* Parent-Teacher Conferences: These provide an opportunity for face-to-face discussions about the student's progress, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Resource teachers can share specific examples of student work and explain their assessment methodology.
* Email or Phone Calls: For quick updates or to address specific concerns, email or phone calls can be effective. However, complex information is best handled in person or via a formal meeting.
* Progress Monitoring Meetings: More frequent check-ins with parents can be beneficial, particularly for students with significant learning needs. These meetings can focus on specific goals and strategies.
* Online Portfolios or Learning Management Systems (LMS): Some schools use online platforms to share student work, assessment data, and teacher feedback with parents. This provides a transparent view of the student's learning journey.
3. Language and Approach:
* Clear and Concise Language: Avoid educational jargon that parents might not understand. Use simple, direct language to explain assessment results and grades.
* Focus on Growth and Progress: Emphasize the student's growth and progress, rather than just focusing on their current level of achievement.
* Positive and Encouraging Tone: Frame feedback positively, highlighting strengths and areas of improvement in a supportive manner.
* Collaborative Partnership: Frame communication as a partnership, inviting parents to share their insights and collaborate on strategies to support the student's learning.
* Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of parents' cultural backgrounds and communication styles.
Important Considerations:
* Confidentiality: Maintain student confidentiality when communicating with parents. Share only relevant and necessary information.
* Translation Services: If needed, provide translation services to ensure effective communication with parents who speak different languages.
* Accessibility: Ensure that communication is accessible to parents with disabilities.
By utilizing a combination of these methods and maintaining a respectful and collaborative approach, resource teachers can effectively communicate learner assessment results and grades to parents, fostering a strong home-school connection that benefits the student.