Which practice can strengthen home-school connections?

Regularly updating families about student progress is a practice that significantly strengthens home-school connections. When educators keep families informed about what their children are learning, how they are progressing academically, and any challenges they may be facing, it fosters a partnership mentality between teachers and parents. This continuous communication helps families feel engaged and involved in their child’s education, reinforcing the idea that both parties share a common goal: the student’s success.

Frequent updates can come in various forms, such as newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, phone calls, emails, or online portals. This ongoing dialogue not only empowers parents to support their children’s learning at home but also builds trust and rapport between families and schools. When parents are aware of their child's achievements and areas that may need improvement, they are more likely to engage constructively in the educational process.

In contrast, reaching out to families only when there is a problem or limiting communication would likely lead to a less collaborative environment and may inhibit supportive relationships. Similarly, enforcing strict rules around meetings could create barriers to communication rather than strengthen the partnership between home and school.