© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Is advocating for my child's learning needs important during at-home learning?

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

Absolutely! You are your child’s best and most important advocate. The foundation of a great teacher-parent relationship is being able to express concerns and advocate for needed supports on both sides. Education can no longer afford to depend on teachers having the only voice concerning a child’s academic achievement.

Teachers are swamped with learning how to educate effectively this year, but nothing is more important than a teacher learning about their students. Whether you are seeking solutions to accommodate special needs, gifted and talented or behavior management, your voice is important to the conversation. Here are a few tips on how to advocate this school year:

  1. Research the best time to speak with the teacher and schedule with a word or two emphasizing the topic. Teachers are better prepared to help with solutions when they have had an opportunity to prepare for the conversation.
  2. Write down a list of questions or recommendations for your child’s success.
  3. Approach the conversation with a positive attitude toward resolution.
  4. Provide a recap email to summarize discussion and next action steps.
  5. Discuss early and often before a negative experience has occurred.
  6. Assure your child you’re advocating on their behalf and their education experience is important to everyone involved.

Finally, don’t give up. You can make the most significant impact on your child’s learning experience whether in-person or virtually with advocacy.
Mrs. Pizzo

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

Robin Pizzo leads the education outreach efforts of WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University, the PBS and NPR affiliate serving Michigan's capital region. Robin convenes partnerships and coordinates station initiatives such as WKAR Family and Ready to Learn to bring workshops, learning tools, and other resources into the community to help kids be resilient, lifelong learners.
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!