Partnering with Families

• Welcome Calls

  Plan a trust-building first call: ask about hopes and communication preferences, and include the student.

  Flamboyan FoundationStrategy guideTry tomorrowOne student

  Open resource

• The Underutilized Potential of Teacher-Parent Communication

  The case for one-sentence weekly messages home, from a study in a high school program.

  Federal Reserve Bank of BostonResearch summaryLearn moreOne student

  Open resource

• Communicating with Families of English Learners: 10 Strategies

  Find out each family's preferred language, channel, and time, and learn your language access options.

  Colorin ColoradoStrategy guideTry tomorrow

  Open resource

• Step-by-Step Guide to Parent-Teacher Conferences

  Five steps that start with the family's vision and the student's strengths.

  Attendance WorksTemplate or formPlan togetherOne student

  Open resource

• Pay Attention to Attendance: Family Handout

  A one-page handout for families of middle and high school students, in five languages.

  Attendance WorksTemplate or form1 pageTry tomorrowWhole class

  Open resource

• Engaging Families to Support Students' Connectedness

  Five strategies, including two-way communication, shared goals, and removing barriers.

  REL WestQuick read5 pagesLearn more

  Open resource

• Building Trusting Relationships Through Communication

  Reflection activities and a two-way conference planner to use with your co-teacher.

  REL PacificTemplate or form22 pagesPlan together

  Open resource

• Family Engagement: Collaborating with Families of Students with Disabilities

  A self-paced module on building trust and honoring families as decision-makers.

  IRIS CenterTraining module1 hourLearn more

  Open resource

• Combatting Chronic Absenteeism with Family Engagement

  Hear practical ways to build trust with families early, such as welcome calls and relationship-first meetings. Transcript included.

  Harvard EdCastPodcastLearn more

  Open resource

These resources are shared for professional learning and planning. They are meant to inform your professional judgment, not replace it. Each student's IEP and your district, state and federal requirements always come first. Listing a resource here is not an endorsement by Layered Education. This is educational information only, not legal advice.