5 Resources for Building Positive Family Relationships

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Published on

August 1, 2023

Last updated

August 1, 2023

Building positive relationships with families is like putting money in the bank! Yes, it takes effort and valuable time, but the investment is absolutely worth it. The MTSS process provides several strategic opportunities to connect with families and partner together to support students.

When problems arise, those investments in relationships pay off because administrators, teachers, and families have previous positive interactions and experiences to draw on. In fact, research tells us that increased family engagement impacts student engagement and student success in school. We can’t afford NOT to connect with families!

With all that teachers (and families) have on their plates, it can be hard to keep that relationship “bank” in the green. Here are some easy-to-use ideas and strategies to help schools and parents connect and collaborate:

1. MTSS PARENT INTRO: SLIDE DECK

DOWNLOAD: Slides for conferences or back-to-school night

Make the first introduction to MTSS for families a simple and positive message about how your school supports all students, including those that need extra help. Share this brief slide deck with families during back-to-school events, conferences, or a family engagement night.

2. PHONE SCRIPT

DOWNLOAD: Phone Script

Making phone calls can be a challenge, especially if you are worried about being clear and understood by parents. A simple phone script can be extremely helpful for new or even veteran teachers. Remember to make the first call a proactive, positive one!

3. EMAIL SCRIPT

DOWNLOAD: Email Script

When helping parents understand MTSS, be sure you are offering clear, practical information. This email template can help.

4. PARENT/FAMILY SURVEY FORM

DOWNLOAD: Parent/Family Survey Form [PDF version]
DOWNLOAD: Parent/Family Survey Form [Google Form version]

“YOU SHOULD KNOW…” Getting to know students and their families takes time, especially if you have more than one section of students. A simple survey for families provides meaningful information and connection points with your students.

5. PARENT COMMUNICATION LOG

It’s important to track parent contact, both to ensure that all parents are getting the information they need, and that parents of struggling students aren’t overwhelmed with redundant or negative communication.

brm-mtss-software-platform-parent-communication-log

Using an online MTSS platform like BRM streamlines communication and enhances collaboration by allowing everyone on a student’s team to see basic details of all parent contacts, whether by phone, email, or in person.

Other BRM Resources:

About the author

Larissa Napolitan

Larissa Napolitan is the Content Marketing Manager for Branching Minds and the host of Branching Minds' podcast "Schoolin' Around." As a former middle school English teacher and instructional coach, she has over 13 years of experience building systems for improvement, training and coaching teachers in new technology and instructional methods, and leading efforts to build curriculum and literacy initiatives. She holds Masters's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Education Administration from Emporia State University. She is passionate about telling the stories of educators and all that they do to support students.