What are effective ways to share curriculum and learning standards with parents?

1 Explain the purpose and benefits of curriculum and standards

Curriculum and standards are the frameworks that guide your teaching and learning goals. They outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level and subject area. They also help ensure that your students receive a high-quality and consistent education. By explaining the purpose and benefits of curriculum and standards to parents, you can help them understand how they align with your school's vision and mission, how they prepare your students for future success, and how they reflect the expectations of the state and the community.

2 Provide an overview and examples of curriculum and standards

Parents may not be familiar with the specific content and skills that your students are learning, especially if they have changed since they were in school. To help them get a sense of what your curriculum and standards look like, you can provide them with an overview and examples of what your students are learning in each subject area. You can use newsletters, websites, flyers, or handouts to share the key topics, themes, concepts, and skills that your students are exploring. You can also include examples of student work, projects, assessments, or activities that illustrate how your students are applying their learning and demonstrating their mastery.

3 Invite feedback and questions from parents

Communication is a two-way street, and you want to encourage parents to share their feedback and questions with you. By inviting them to voice their opinions, concerns, or suggestions, you can show them that you value their input and involvement. You can also address any misconceptions, confusion, or gaps in their understanding of curriculum and standards. You can use surveys, emails, phone calls, or conferences to solicit feedback and questions from parents. You can also create opportunities for parents to participate in curriculum review committees, parent advisory groups, or curriculum nights.

4 Connect curriculum and standards to home learning

One of the best ways to share curriculum and standards with parents is to connect them to home learning. Home learning is any activity that supports or extends your students' learning outside the classroom. It can include homework, reading, projects, games, or family discussions. By connecting curriculum and standards to home learning, you can help parents see how they can reinforce what their children are learning at school, how they can monitor their progress and achievement, and how they can foster their curiosity and interest. You can use homework assignments, reading logs, project rubrics, or learning menus to communicate the link between curriculum and standards and home learning.

5 Use simple and accessible language

Curriculum and standards can be complex and technical, and you don't want to overwhelm or confuse parents with jargon or acronyms. To make your communication clear and accessible, you should use simple and plain language that parents can easily understand. You should avoid using terms that parents may not know or explain them in a friendly and concise way. You should also use examples, analogies, or visuals to illustrate your points and make them more concrete. You should also be mindful of the diversity and needs of your parent audience and use language that is culturally responsive and inclusive.

6 Celebrate and showcase student learning

Finally, you should share curriculum and standards with parents by celebrating and showcasing student learning. By highlighting the achievements and growth of your students, you can show parents the impact and value of curriculum and standards. You can also inspire and motivate your students to continue their learning journey and take pride in their work. You can use portfolios, exhibitions, performances, or newsletters to showcase student learning. You can also invite parents to attend or participate in these events and share their feedback and appreciation with your students.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?