How Parents & Families Can Communicate Better with Teachers and School Staff

Sometimes when public officials and others talk about how to improve our public schools, the common sense ideas get left out-ideas that ordinary people care about most: schools that are safe and orderly, and schools that expect the best from their students.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and its members believe that good citizenship and success in adult life begin with the high standards for students: standards for conduct and achievement.

Other reforms may work. High standards of conduct and achievement do work. And nothing else can work without them.

This school year, AFT and its members have launched a nationwide campaign on behalf of high standards of conduct and achievement - "Responsibility, Respect, Results: Lessons for Life." AFT is proposing a Bill of Rights & Responsibilities for Learning that is the basis for these standards. But we need your help.

Second, be sure to play your part. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members - even brothers and sisters - can make a big difference. One way is by building a positive relationship with the people who educate your child.

To assist you AFT has produced this pamphlet on how to talk to teachers and other school staff. By using these tips, you can help your child succeed in school - and also support AFT's campaign for high standards of conduct and achievement

AFT members recognize the tremendous demands on your time as a parent, and we appreciate your joining us as a partner in this campaign.

AFT's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Learning

1. All students and school staff have a right to schools that are safe, orderly and drug free.

2. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in school districts and schools that have clear discipline codes with fair and consistently enforced consequences for misbehavior.

3. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in schools districts that have alternative educational placements for violent or chronically disruptive students.

4. All students and school staff have a right to be treated with courtesy and respect.

5. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in school districts, schools and classrooms that have clearly stated and rigorous academic standards.

6.All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in well-equipped schools that have the instructional materials needed to carry out a rigorous academic program.

7. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in schools in which teachers know their subject matter and how to teach it.

8. All students and staff have a right to learn\n and work in school districts, schools and classrooms in which high grades stand for high achievement and promotion is earned.

9. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in school districts and schools in which getting high school diploma means having the knowledge and skills essential for college or a good job.

10. All students and school staff have a right to be supported by parents, the community, public officials and business in their efforts to uphold high standards of conduct and achievement.

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