Goal 7: Teachers work as partners with parents, families, and the community.

7a. Develop a sound, broad-based understanding of students' families and the local communities. (K)

* Refer to my teacher work sample where I discuss the different backgrounds of my students. This paper goes into some detail about my students ethnic and socioeconomic status and individuals as well as a discussion on a group level.

7b. Communicate effectively with parents and community and incorporate local ways of knowing into decision making about all levels of schooling. (P)

* Refer to the parent letter I developed, a document I sent home and the beginning of the year to initiate contact with parents. The letter welcomes the families to the school and talks about the curriculum and what is to be expected over the next semester in class.

* Refer to my contact log document I developed to aid in my parental communication organization. This log keeps track of the parent, date, time, and what the conversation was about. Its a great way to keep a running record of the important conversations I may have with parents and its kind of a way to keep myself in check if I tell a parent I will do something. It ensures that I will do what I said I would.

* Refer to my Parent Involvement paper where I talk about how I connect with parents and the useful ways I get in touch with them. This paper discusses different ideas I have heard other teachers use to communicate with parents and ones that I will use when I have my own classroom.

7c. Recognize the school as an integral part of the community and value parents as partners in promoting student learning. (D)

* Refer to my philosophy on the role of schools in the community where I stress how important it is for educators to uphold the trust and respect of the community by practicing excellence in their profession.