The+Role+of+Parents+in+Discipline


 * Parental Involvement as Part of Your Discipline Plan **

“Parents are the most important people in a child’s life. Their love, affection, support, and approval are a fundamental need of all children. And because parents are #1 in importance, they are also #1 in the ability to influence and motivate their children.” – Lee Canter One aspect of student behavior that Lee Canter finds important is parental involvement. He has written and taught on the subject many times. Research shows that students perform better when their parents or guardians take an active role in their education.

__ Characteristics of Teachers with Positive Parental Support __ __Teachers’ Potential Barriers to Achieving Successful Parental Involvement__ __Parents’ Potential Barriers to Achieving Successful Involvement__ There are several strategies outlined by Canter that can be effective in not only the regular classroom but in specialty areas as well. Below are brief descriptions of some of his suggestions and how they could be implemented in a Library Media Center.
 * the understand and believe in the benefits of parental support
 * they show their dedication to their students whenever they have contact with parents
 * they treat parents with respect and always act professionally
 * fear of looking inept by admitting a need for parents’ help with a problem
 * misconception that parents are unwilling or unable to help
 * education courses don’t include study on this subject
 * they are “overwhelmed”
 * they can’t control their child, either
 * they had bad school experiences themselves
 * they don’t have faith in teachers

__The Beginning of the Year__ __Throughout the Year__
 * Have some kind of contact with parents prior to the beginning of the school year
 * Send a letter or brochure home before the school year starts and make sure the LMC web site is updated over the summer
 * Let parents know what your expectations and rules are
 * Include this information in your summer communication and on the web site
 * Back to School Night strategies
 * get parents to the library - have a raffle or have the refreshments set up there
 * make sure the library looks inviting and show off the collection
 * be prepared to provide reading suggestions to parents, both in talking with them and as handouts
 * Have a volunteer sign-up sheet available
 * Communicate with parents
 * Send home awards for good behavior
 * Show appreciation through notes or phone calls
 * Send home newsletters and use the LMC web site to update parents
 * When problems arise, document the issue and be specific
 * Consider video taping the class to show to parents (or just use it as a means to improve behavior)
 * If parents are to be contacted, decide beforehand what your goals are and be sure to communicate the specifics of the problem and the desired outcome to them
 * Consider using a “Home-School Contract” to address continuing misbehavior
 * identifies desired behavior(s)
 * sets out consequences and rewards
 * is a “structured system of positive and negative consequences”
 * provides opportunities for parental input regarding solving the behavior issue
 * teacher and parent(s) sign
 * Accept responsibility and apologize if you have done something wrong

__At the End of the Year__
 * Hold an end of the year open house to show appreciation
 * to honor volunteers
 * to thank all parents (and pave the way for support the following year)
 * send a written communication home with students highlighting the year
 * send notes of appreciation to parents
 * contact parents who have worked with you to improve their child’s behavior

 The information on this web page was taken from //Parents On Your Side: A Comprehensive Parent Involvement Program for Teachers// (by Lee Canter and Marlene Canter, Santa Monica California, Lee Canter and Associates, 1991) and //Lee Canter’s How to Get Parents on Your Side Video Course Study Guide// (Santa Monica, California, Lee Canter and Associates, 1991.