Testimonial

“ Students who receive positive phone calls are being rewarded by parents and simply having more confidence. ” Virgil Middle School Teacher

News

Irving ISD To Begin TeleParent System In a few weeks, IISD teachers and administrators will begin using the TeleParent notification system to more effectively communicate with parents... More News...

A Study of the Effects of TeleParent on Communication & Parental Involvement

The Issue
Research has shown that one of the most effective ways to enhance the school climate is to involve parents (Journal of School Psychology). Even so, many barriers exist in facilitating one of the fundamental requirements of parental involvement: effective teacher-to-parent communication. The National Center for Education Statistics (2006) found differences in communication patterns and opportunities for parent involvement between English and Spanish-speaking households. English-speaking parents received more personal notes, emails, newsletters, memos, notices of school events, and volunteer opportunities. Statistics reveal that the poorer the family, the less likely they are to receive correspondence from the school (National Center for Education Statistics).

The Study
The study surveyed teachers, parents, and students at Savanna High School and teachers at Sycamore Junior High School. The survey aimed at finding out if using TeleParent narrowed communication gaps between teacher and parents, and how much student progress has ensued. Parents were surveyed to determine the changes in involvement in their child's education since the system was implemented. Likewise, students were surveyed to gain perspective on whether the implementation of TeleParent had an affect on academic performance and behaviors. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of TeleParent at Savanna High School and Sycamore Junior High School.

Summary of Findings
The results of the student surveys demonstrate that students had mostly positive experiences from the implementation of TeleParent at Savanna High School.

However, many students indicated that they did not like the system because they would be held accountable now that parents are aware of what is going on at school.

The teachers' comments indicate that TeleParent is an effective tool to improve communication between themselves and their students' parents. In addition, they noticed positive changes in students, such as improvements in their behavior and academics. Furthermore, the system allows teachers to communicate with parents who speak different home languages.

In general, the parents also had a positive experience with TeleParent. As Quiocho and Dauod (The Educational Forum) discovered, parents want to receive communication from the school concerning their child. Parents were impressed with TeleParent primarily because the system is able to relay important information to them on a timely, regular basis. Parents also noted that the service allows them to become more aware of their child's activities at school thus providing them with the information necessary to better assist and support their children.

Result: Teachers
The majority of the teachers (94%) indicated that using TeleParent narrowed communication gaps between teachers and parents. The most common (62%) reason for improved communication was the convenience and ease of TeleParent. One teacher commented, "Calling home is difficult with the large number of students we have. TeleParent circumvents that issue." Similarly, another teacher remarked, "TeleParent is very helpful in allowing me to send quick communication or reminders out to parents.

The survey asked how TeleParent has helped teachers to increase communication with parents in their home language. All but one teacher (98%) responded that TeleParent removed language barriers between the teacher and parent. One teacher said, "I often am reluctant to contact home if I know that the parent doesn't speak English. TeleParent eliminates that worry."

Another question in the survey asked teachers to describe any changes in their students since TeleParent's implementation. The most prevalent response (36%) was notable improvement in student behavior. One teacher commented, "If a student is tardy or doesn't complete their homework, the parents are informed that day. They don't have to wait for the Friday Progress Report." The second most common response (33%) was that teachers saw an improvement in their student's academics. One teacher stated, "More students are studying for upcoming tests. I hear from students that their parents are making them study and complete their homework."

Results: Students
The study surveyed 365 students at Savanna High School, whose teachers utilized TeleParent during the pilot period. The most common (47%) positive comment made included the students liked the reminders. As one student stated, "I think it's good for TeleParent to call home and remind the parents and students there is homework due or exams to study for." Another student stated, "TeleParent helps to remind me what I need to turn in and study for the next day at school." Some students indicated that they liked the system (44%) and that they liked the positive feedback (15%). One student stated, "I like it because I only get good phone calls, it makes my parents stay off my case because they know I'm doing good." Another student commented, "TeleParent is very helpful for me. Now my family knows my grades." Likewise, one student stated, "My Mom is proud of me because she hears good things about me."

Results: Parents
The majority of the respondents (75%) indicated that the implementation of TeleParent positively impacted how much they know about their child's education. Of these responses, half (50%) of the parents indicated that TeleParent relayed important information to them. One parent said, "TeleParent helps a lot. I know when a test is approaching and I know more about how my child is performing." Another response was, "Every afternoon I talk with my child about their day, homework and tests. The call home helps to confirm all the information that we talked about."

One question asked parents to describe changes in their involvement in their child's education. The most common response (41%) was having an increased awareness in regards to their child's education. One parent stated, "I now know whether or not he has homework and I can make sure he does it."