Letter home to parents

This artifact demonstrates my adherence to Standard Four for two reasons. First, it seems that often students are taught things without parental awareness: this letter tells parents what will be taught over the three weeks, and also the topics that will be addressed. Second, it invites parents and families to come into the classroom and share their experiences, broadening the horizons of student thought and discussion, and also showing both the parents and students that deep conversation and critical analysis can be done both in the classroom and in the home.

According to this standard, educators understand, respect, and support the role of parents and the community in the education of students. This letter invites parents to come in and view the class. If the parent were to have an issue, I address the fact that I am available to discuss the issue with the parent until an adequate solution is met. Ultimately, parents have the right to know what and from whom their children are learning, and this artifact shows that I value this position.

This shows, also, that I communicate in a timely manner with parents and consider their advice on matters pertaining to their children. I sent this letter home before we started the Merchant of Venice. Although it is inevitable to avoid Shakespeare throughout secondary school, this particular play is quite controversial, and parents need to be informed of what their children will be learning.