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Participant Quotes
 
"We were expecting to gain a few tidbits on teaching, but we left with strategies that have the potential to change the culture and attitude of our school forever."
...4 Teachers from Brooklyn College Academy, grades 9 - 10
"Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share in this awesome learning experience."
...Math Teacher, Cape Coral, Florida
"This conference was the best educational experience I've had since I left college. I've been to seminars, clinics, and all kinds of workshops, but this conference was more value than anything I've experienced. In the past week, I reflected more on my teaching practices than I've ever done since I began my career."
...Teacher of Middle School Science, St. Lawrence County, New York
"I was awed by your effort to make each person at the conference feel valued."
...Middle School Teacher, ELA, State of Delaware
"We had an amazing experience at the conference!"
...Social Studies Teachers, New York City, New York
"I want to say how much I enjoyed the week. The level of learning just continues to rise every year!"
...Staff Developer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"Our team became a cohesive group of educators that truly have the kids at heart. We are going to really try to get together on a regular basis to discuss and encourage each other with things learned at this conference."
...Elementary Teacher, St. Lawrence County, New York
Projects Planning Starting Culminating Event Evaluation Simple Things E-mail

 
Parent Involvement
Starting the Project
      The student has a project to do. A timeline, rubric for grading, and description of the project should be supplied by the teacher. The parent's role at this time is to make sure that the child understands what the teacher expects and when the project is due. A few minutes spent with the child going over this information can prevent future problems. If there are questions, now is a good time to talk with the teacher.
 

Parents want to have successful children. Especially during elementary years parents can take over a project. By working with the teacher a parent can find the right balance between helping and doing. Teachers can tell if a child or parent made the project. In the long run, your child will learn more if you only help.

  
In an ideal situation, the teacher sends home a packet about a new project with the following information:
  • A clear explanation of the project itself.
  • A simple grading rubric.
  • A timeline with the project due date and tate and time of the culminating event.
  • Guideline for how much a parent should help with the project.
  • Information on how parents with questions can contact the teacher.
  
Parent Tips:
  • Be aware of how much effort parents are expected to provide. For example: is it OK to type a paper for your student?
  • Find out what supplies, library time, computer time, meetings with class teammates are expected to be provided by the home.
  • Make sure that your child can get the supplies, etc. needed for the project. The teacher should have suggestions if you need help.
  • Reassure your child that a project may look big at first, but is doable if taken step by step.
  • Help your child set a timeline with goals along the way. Have him/her check the rubric often. Waiting until the night before usually gives poor results.
  • Ask friendly questions about your child's progress. Let them be the "expert."
  • Communicate with the teacher about questions or difficulties.
  • Complete any "Parent Task" for the project right away.
  
Teacher Tips:
  • Make sure that the student has a written statement of the project, including necessary supplies, expectations of parents, timeline, rubric that the grade will be based on, and the date of the culminating event, if there is one.
  • Remind parents to contact you if they need clarification. Include a phone number and calling hours.
  • Be prepared to offer ideas to parents on where to get supplies, use of computers, etc.
  • Relate projects to the NYS Education Standards.
  • Keep in touch with families. Send home weekly updates and student progress reports. Give them the school's internet address.
  • Interest the home in the project through parent sign up sheets, questions for parents, or parent journals or comments. Have a page featuring the project. Use parent volunteers.