How to Report Standardized Test Results & Progress to Parents

Reporting test results and progress to parents without adequate preparation may damage the relationship between parent, student and teacher. A few minutes of preparation, a healthy sense of empathy and a positive tone go a long way toward avoiding miscommunication and bad feelings. A sense of being a team between parent, student and teacher may be one of the most important factors in student success. Take precautions to preserve this valuable asset with a few simple preparations.

Things You'll Need

• Student results
• Test samples
• Class work samples

Instructions

1. Meet face to face with parents when explaining test results or academic progress whenever possible. A report sent home is easily misinterpreted by parents unfamiliar with the test or class work involved. If you must send a report home, follow up with a phone call or send a letter of explanation regarding how the score was achieved. If reporting class grades, send class work to illustrate how a grade is justified.

2. Make parents comfortable. Greet them showing genuine interest in their student, life and family. Make eye contact and invite them to sit down with you. Make personal contact with a comment about the weather, their long day at work, an attractive article of clothing or an accessory to break the ice and reveal your humanity. Some parents may have uncomfortable school memories that make them uneasy just coming to the building. Simple gestures of warmth make a difference and put parents at ease.

3. Provide examples of standardized test questions if the test itself is unavailable for viewing. Parents may not understand the type of questions their student was asked. Explain what the score numbers mean fully and do not assume a parent understands, for example, what type of scale score was used. If available, provide parents with test specific parent handouts or a test website that not only explains the scoring system but also provides tips on interpreting the scores and helping their student.

4. Speak specifically about what the test results or progress report grades mean. Point out strengths to the parent and the student. If reporting on very positive scores with little room for improvement, simply state how well the student has done but be specific so that they are aware of strengths or any slightly weak area. If reporting weaknesses, never just state that a student has trouble with problem solving or comprehending text. This does not help parents to understand the specific problem areas. Prepare yourself with specific details. For example, state that the student has trouble when word problems contain difficult vocabulary. Explain what the student's scores mean compared to others at the same level. Show prior scores or work and explain if growth has occurred.

5. Have an idea of the plan of action you would like to put in place. State what your part in the plan will be, but before identifying your suggestions for the parents' part, ask parents what they feel they can do. This gives parents a chance to feel ownership in developing the plan to help their student succeed. Once they have stated what they can do, guide them toward any further suggestions you feel are helpful. Do not forget that the student plays a part in this plan. Identify how far you feel the student needs to grow before a specific calendar date in order to be successful.

6. Make or have ready notes and helpful handouts to assist the parents in helping the child. Make plans to follow up or give the parents an easy way to contact you, such as email. Promise to answer their questions promptly. Remain positive and state that you know you and they can help student be successful.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide a place and activity for any siblings that arrive with the parents.

References

• Parent communication tips for teachers
• State specific information applicable to any test result communication