My students are having a big discussion about feedback, questions and concerns from parents. I tell them not to give out personal info such as home phone, cell phone and personal e-mail. I believe contacts should be through school channels to protect privacy and give a teacher some time for family. I don't believe in unlisted phone numbers but I don't think you encourage them to call you at home whenever they want. I believe a good classroom website, a handbook and prompt replies to notes, school e-mail and calls during ghe school day can answer a lot of questions. I firmly believe a conference appointment is the best approach for most concerns.
Of course my classes are inexperienced and most are tech natives who Facebook, Twitter and text constantly, but they believe that it's important to communicate with parents, and in some cases students, in about any way and any time. Some say they will have a classroom blog or wiki for parents. Some feel there is nothing wrong with texting with parents or students with homework questions. Some say they would befriend parents and students on Facebook or MySpace. I think this coud get scary if not handled carefully and they lack the experience to jump into a lot of this without some problems. The school could also have a policy against certain forms of communication.
How do you communicate with parents? What are the rules and limits? What about homework questions and forgotten materials?
