WHAT IF...
we could simplify the task of scheduling Parent Teacher Conferences
we didn't spend a lot of time creating the P/T time slot list
we could connect more purposefully with parents?
we could engage parents where they "live" in the digital world?
we could give parents ownership in signing up for Parent Teacher Conferences?
WELL... WE DID...
Last Spring, I discovered a software application called ClassTag while checking my
Twitter feed. After exploring the software, I was convinced this application
could make a direct impact on the way we tackle Parent Teacher Conferences. ClassTag does far more than simplifying the task of P/T Conferences. I will elaborate more on that in a bit and... it's FREE!
My main focus; however, was the draw to simplifying and streamlining the way we schedule parents to attend P/T Conferences.
Secretaries and teachers were doing all of the work. Why?... Let's give ownership to parents and let them "sign-up" instantly online for times that are most convenient for them. If something interrupts their schedule where they need to switch times, parents are responsible for "changing their time" online.
HOW DID WE DO IT?
We made it a priority to work on getting our parents "connected." We pulled their email information from our SIS and sent them out an invitation to "join" each teacher's class in ClassTag. Many parents joined instantly. Others we had to send a few more emails, and some still haven't joined because they just don't have digital device connections. Will we ever get 100% "parent connectivity" in everyone of our elementary classes? Probably not! But.... we have the majority in each class connected, and it has been well worth it!
As Parent Teacher Fall Conferences came to a close, I asked several teachers to give me their honest feedback on what they thought about ClassTag and what parents were saying about the new way to "sign-up" for P/T Conferences. Here is a sampling of their thoughts.
"It was a great way to sign up for a time"
"I liked it!"
"It wasn't difficult at all. I liked being able to sign up for a time that worked for us to conference with you."
*"Well that's a neat way to plan times for conferences. Are you going to do it this way from now on?"
"It worked really good for us. I liked the reminders that I got. Thank you!"
"That's a good way to do it."
ClassTag is an excellent way for teachers to connect their classrooms with their students' parents. The Parent Teacher Conference option is just ONE of the many connectivity pieces built in.
Teachers can also...
send announcements
organize an event
ask for volunteers/helpers to chaperone events or complete a task like bringing snacks
Check out ClassTag! Give it a try! It is an excellent way for teachers to streamline their communication with parents.