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School report cards not only method of communication for teachers, parents

Report cards aren't the best way for teachers to get through to parents

Re: Teachers leaving parents in the dark (Don Descoteau, Nov. 4)

Mr. Descoteau describes the key importance of feedback from teachers to parents regarding student progress.

We couldn’t agree more.

However, there are many ways to communicate progress and report cards are often not the most complete, timely nor effective means.

Victoria teachers are committed to providing parents with information on student progress during our job action.

For any child who is behind or needing extra support, teachers, as they always do, will not wait for report card time but will contact parents early to ensure early intervention with any learning difficulties.

All parents are invited to contact teachers if they do not feel they have enough information already about student progress.

We have asked the superintendent to include contact information on the blank report cards so that every parent knows how to reach the teacher.

Thorough and regular communication between parents and teachers is critical. That is why teachers are continuing to communicate during our job action. It is also why we are seeking more preparation time at the bargaining table – to enable us to better work with parents and students for individualized planning and assessment and the time to meet and discuss student needs.

Tara Ehrcke

President,

Greater Victoria

Teachers’ Association