Published the week of 8/28/05

Pointing fingers or joining hands? As families and teachers deal with each other in the coming school year, I hope it's more joining than pointing. But judging by comments last week when I appeared on a statewide radio program, I'm plenty concerned. Plenty of people seem much more willing to criticize each other.

Frankly, the majority of those who called in to complain were educators. One insisted, "Doesn't matter what I do - parents do not respond. It's not worth my time.

Since considerable experience and research show that the best predictor of family involvement is what the school and teacher do to promote it, I'm worried about students in that person's classroom.

Another educator complained that it was not possible for secondary educators to call families to tell them something good about their youngster. That's because they often have 120-150 students they have in class. She's right - if you try to do it in a week. But over a school year - spending a few minutes a night, you certainly could - and I think, should. Families need to hear not just problems, but good things about their students.

A third educator said she has many families who do not speak English, and she does not know how to communicate with them. Certainly that should not be her personal responsibility, with no assistance. But a school district SHOULD have someone who can help her.

The complaints from educators went on and on - it was startling.

But families are not entirely blameless. Some parents do not listen well. Some parents do not have high expectations for youngsters, and excuse bad behavior.

Both educators and families have reasons to point fingers. The question is whether they will be more constructive.

Many of the schools our Center works with start off the year - in August or early September, with individual family student teacher conferences. It's a great way to insure that the first contact between home and family is a positive one. And it's a great way for people to listen to each other. People who want more info should sent a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Joe Nathan, c/o Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Avenue South, Mpls, Mn. 55455.

Joyce Epstein at Johns Hopkins University has spent decades developing materials that schools can use to help families support the work of the school. Free or low cost Info about the work of her National Center on School/Family/Community Partnerships is available at www.csos.jhu.edu/p2000/center.htm Epstein has identified 6 types of involvement - from advocating tor the school, to volunteering to supporting a teacher's efforts by doing things at home with youngsters. It's great information, whether you are dealing with a district charter, private or parochial school.

Some people like to complain. But what youngsters really need are people who will communicate and collaborate - despite occasional problems.