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HOME Calendar of Events What is Constructivism? Summer Conference Captivating Classes With Constructivism Applying Standards-Based Constructivism Quote & Strategy ...of the Week Newsletter Archive Standards Based Lessons Online Courses JPACTe Parent Involvement Special Education Technology In Support of Student Centered Learning About Us Related Links Participant Quotes   "We were expecting to gain a few tidbits on teaching, but we left with strategies that have the potential to change the culture and attitude of our school forever." ...4 Teachers from Brooklyn College Academy, grades 9 - 10 "Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share in this awesome learning experience." ...Math Teacher, Cape Coral, Florida "This conference was the best educational experience I've had since I left college. I've been to seminars, clinics, and all kinds of workshops, but this conference was more value than anything I've experienced. In the past week, I reflected more on my teaching practices than I've ever done since I began my career." ...Teacher of Middle School Science, St. Lawrence County, New York "I was awed by your effort to make each person at the conference feel valued." ...Middle School Teacher, ELA, State of Delaware "We had an amazing experience at the conference!" ...Social Studies Teachers, New York City, New York "I want to say how much I enjoyed the week. The level of learning just continues to rise every year!" ...Staff Developer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin "Our team became a cohesive group of educators that truly have the kids at heart. We are going to really try to get together on a regular basis to discuss and encourage each other with things learned at this conference." ...Elementary Teacher, St. Lawrence County, New York

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Parent Involvement Planning and Preparation       The best preparation for a successful project is to have good communication between parents and teachers. Parent talents, willingness to help, and resources should be considered as a project is planned. Parents should share this information ahead of time with the teacher. Parents will need to understand some new words, such as Rubric, in order to communicate well with their childrens' teachers.

 

Parent Tips: Try to communicate with the teacher regularly on an informal basis. Find the best times and methods to use. Use curriculum night/open house to talk to teachers about your interests and knowledge. Ask about future projects. If you have time, volunteer in your child's school. The office, classroom, computer room, or on field trips are some suggestions. Offer to help do research or arrange trips, etc. that are project related. Learn about the New York State Standards for Education. Attend a workshop for parents if available. Familiarize yourself with the new education vocabulary.

Teacher Tips: Communicate regularly with parents through notes, newsletters, weekly folders, etc. Use curriculum night/open house - have visitors fill out information/expertise surveys as well as volunteer sign up forms. Distribute information that includes teacher/phone number as well as times to call or visit. Be sensitive to expectations of time commitment outside of school and the cost of supplies. Plan a parent workshop on "education talk," rubrics, or NYS Education Standards.