When I received a call today from a parent I know who was frustrated by the stack of failing papers she had just received from her daughter's teachers, I was reminded yet again how important it is for the teachers of struggling students to reach out to parents.  The earlier the better. 

Each attempt should be documented.  Beyond the C.Y.A. factor, this is valuable information.  Written communication to/from parents should be archived.  Verbal conversations should be documented in notes. Not merely that the conversation occurred, but the notes should also include a brief summary of some sort. 

When this type of documentation exists, professional staff members with a need to know can readily refer to a "file cabinet" (of sorts) where these notes are stored.  They can easily access these notes and other documents before making a call, so they gain insights that help them build on prior conversations colleagues have already had with the parent.  They should enter conversations with parents as informed and prepared as possible.  And, those conversations should be as focused and constructive as possible.

The file cabinet I am referring to is not two-drawer, nor is it four-drawer.  In fact, it is not really a cabinet at all...unless you're stuck in the 20th century.  Instead, it is a database on the internet that makes the process I outlined above a snap for all personnel.  Easy.  Accessible from anywhere.  A series of check boxes, pull-downs, and text-fields. 

EdClick's Collaboration Manager is the collaborative "file cabinet" your school can use to enhance and document parent communication--->cheaply, easily, and in a manner that improves your school's performance!  You can see it work in an online demo, right from the convenience of your computer!