What can teachers do if parents have unrealistic expectations for their child?
Ms. Igo: Communication is key here. Teachers can share evaluative documents, like testing, folders of work, and tracking of daily experiences with parents. They can also recommend that the parent seek some outside evaluative help. Most schools will provide some kind of evaluation. If the parent still doesn’t believe the child’s skills and gifts are recognized and used to the greatest potential, it would be a positive step for the teacher to recommend that parent take advantage of testing or counseling services available in the community. GC: Cultural differences can often create barriers to parental involvement. How can schools become more inviting to different cultures? Ms. Igo: School calendars would be a first step. Be sure that school calendars demonstrate respect for and recognize various cultural holidays and observances. Schools need to be aware of the needs of students from different cultures and ensure that those cultural differences are respected and not allowed to become the
