Use active listening skills at the conference and develop a plan of action together with parents. The children can bring messages back to the school. Conduct periodic random telephone surveys of parents asking them how well the school is communicating and how well their children are learning. Once a month randomly select a small group of parents to meet informally with the principal, director or a teacher. Listen to their views and concerns.
Discussions can be open-ended or focused on a specific topic.
Classes for parents. Organize classes for parents in which they learn about child development, mental health issues, job search skills, job placement, study skills and student motivation. These classes can be provided through cooperation with county extension services, mental health agencies, human service agencies, and schools. Home visits are a unique opportunity for two-way communication between home and school. The teacher and family members can get to know each other in a setting which is comfortable for the family.