Delve into Dialogue: Five Keys to Fluid Family Confabulation

 Photo credit: (C) 2003 Scott Freiberger

By Scott B. Freiberger

Turn the page and open your eyes. This is no Disney fairy tale.  While it may seem as though we have been strapped in for months on the Wicked Twister, the time has come to step off the ride and step up for families.  As we enter a new chapter in the continuing evolution of the home-school relationship during the days of Covid-19, transparency becomes paramount as truth equates with trust.  How do you soothe parental nerves during a pandemic?  Here are five trustworthy tips for singular school leaders.

1. The Equation is Straightforward: Transparency = Trust

First, report continuing, relevant developments on a consistent basis, and ensure information is available in a variety of languages.  Even if unsure, inform parents that you will try your best to unravel answers, and be sure to follow up as soon as humanly possible.  After 164 visits to Disney theme parks, I noticed that employees (“cast members”) were well-trained by management to say that they would find out answers to guest queries and respond as quickly as possible, and they certainly always did.  For this reason, the company is known for providing outstanding customer service.  Consider a similar, timely approach with inquiring parents and families.

2. Give Great Guidance 

Next, delve into the latest research and find information parents and families need to remain healthy and safe.  Post your findings in a conspicuous location, such as a link on the home page of your school website.  Parents of young children may be especially apprehensive; be sure to provide the most relevant information possible.  Helping parents find quick answers should help allay many concerns and/or fears, and continue to engender ongoing trust.

3. Q & A All the Way

After that, anticipate a variety of concerns related to in-person classroom experiences, and answer these questions to the best of your ability in an FAQ section.  If you anticipate parent queries, you should be better prepared for conferences and meetings.  Also, update your FAQ section as information becomes available, and have your webpage “updates” date visible in a conspicuous corner.  Providing the most current, relevant information demonstrates that you stand with parents and families and strive to offer the safest educational experience possible for children per government guidelines.

4. Welcome to the Zoom Room

Then, meet virtually with guardians, parents, and families to address any overarching concerns using a secure online platform such as BlueJeans, Google, or Zoom.  Consider meeting at least twice a month.  Display a model classroom to describe what the classroom experience should be like for children returning to in-person instruction.  Be prepared to discuss what steps the school administration has taken to ensure the care, health, and safety of staff and students during this turbulent time. 

5. SOP to Address Health and Safety

Finally, set up a virtual window in which parents could ask questions, and a designated person could respond within a reasonable time frame.  Make your Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) clear and easy for families to follow.  An over-abundance of continual questions means school representatives are not responding to queries lucidly and in a timely manner. In stark contrast, Principal Davis-Nealy at P.S. 165Q Edith K. Bergtraum School has held town hall meetings and done a phenomenal job preparing for a safe re-opening and making information readily accessible on the school website for parents and families as soon as it becomes available.  Her ethos also embodies the adage, “Teamwork makes the dream work,” as she clearly values input from parents, teachers, and colleagues in the New York City Department of Education.

Allay parental concerns as best as humanly possible.  Above all, remain composed and confident that the school is taking all necessary steps to ensure an exceptional educational experience for all stakeholders.  Best wishes for continued luck and success as we all strive to unravel uncertainty and prepare for what promises to be an abnormal upcoming school year.

BIO

Scott Freiberger, a passionate literacy coach and aspiring school leader with school building/district leader certification, is honored to be the 2018 TESOL International Teacher of the Year.   

Twitter: @scottfreiberger

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