Maybe We Should Talk? GT Parent-Teacher Communication

It’s fairly common for parents and teachers of GT students to develop relationships beyond those of general ed students. The key is to make them less adversarial and more productive to benefit the student. If states require an educational plan for GT students, developing and monitoring it require additional meetings. When academic goals are not being met, meetings may be in order. It’s important to schedule meetings when GT students experience social-emotional issues such as bullying, lack of academic challenge or opportunities, and resolving teacher-student relations.

Most schools offer parent-teacher meetings for all students, however including additional specialized teachers, staff, or admins can enhance meetings held specifically for a GT student. Many states include gifted education under the umbrella of special education which can serve as a model for GT parent-teacher meetings. An admin (LEA) can commit district resources in most cases and a gifted coordinator will be able to present relevant options. Both general ed and gifted ed teachers should be included as well as guidance counselors and appropriate staff (i.e., academic coach, TA’s assigned to gifted program, art/music teachers). Older students should also be included.

Parents should come prepared for all meetings with relevant info on their child and foreknowledge of state law and what they intend to request from the school. It also helps to learn the lingo used by educators to improve communication. Diplomacy on the part of all participants can greatly increase positive outcomes for GT parent-teacher meetings. Work for consensus but be sure the student’s needs are prioritized. Oftentimes, the best results of any parent-teacher meeting involve positive and sustained follow-up. Establishing lines of communication for ongoing interactions can increase the chances for the student’s success both in school and beyond.

What information should parents and teachers bring to the conversation? Teachers need to bring information regarding student assessments, test scores, teacher observations, and what services are available to meet the specific needs of the student. Parents should create a portfolio of their child’s work, interests, and accomplishments outside of school. If they have had outside testing or assessments done, this should be included. Both sides can contribute information concerning resources, programs, and options beyond the classroom (academic competitions, summer programs, Talent Searches) which may benefit the student.

When should formal mediation be considered? There are situations when parent-communications can break down. Some educators hold negative views of gifted education in general or have had negative experience with GT parents. Sometimes, parents may make demands for services which are unavailable. Where available, mediation may need to be considered. This is an interim step which can be taken to avoid legal interventions, such as, due process. Mediation may begin ‘in-house’ … talking to a GT coordinator, principal, or other administrator. If available, it may also be taken to a more formal setting at the state level with an official mediator.

It is possible to achieve positive results from parent-teacher meetings which insure an appropriate education for the student. Successful negotiated solutions are dependent on all stakeholders sharing responsibility for outcomes. Successful meetings will result in positive academic and social interventions on behalf of the GT student resulting in a challenging curriculum, opportunities for advancement, and positive relationships between parents, teachers, and student.

A transcript of this chat may be found at Wakelet.

Global #gtchat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented is a weekly chat on Twitter. Join us Thursdays at 8E/7C/6M/5P in the U.S. and Fridays at 2PM NZDT/Noon AEDT/1AM UK to discuss current topics in the gifted community and meet experts in the field. Transcripts of our weekly chats can be found at Wakelet. Our Facebook Page provides information on the chat and news and information regarding the gifted community. Also, checkout our Pinterest Page and Playlist on YouTube.

About the author: Lisa Conrad is the Moderator of Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT and Social Media Manager of the Global #gtchat Community. She is a longtime advocate for gifted children and also blogs at Gifted Parenting Support. Lisa can be contacted at: gtchatmod@gmail.com

Resources:

Improving GT Parent-Teacher Communications

Communicating Effectively with Your Gifted Child’s School | Davidson Gifted

Gifted and Talented Parent Support and Resources: Partnering With Parents | Poudre School District (CO)

Insightful Questions to Ask during Parent-Teacher Conferences

Kentucky Department of Education Gifted and Talented Coordinator Manual (pdf)

How Parents and Teachers Can Work Together for the Child’s Benefit

Perspectives of Teachers and Parents on Parent-Teacher Communication and Social Media Communication | Journal of Applied Technical and Educational Services

Why Mediation? (YouTube 39:42)

2018-2019 State of the States in Gifted Education | NAGC

Gifted Education in the U.S. – State Policy & Legislation | Davidson Gifted

Critical Issues and Practices in Gifted Education (book)