Counsellor resource: effective communication with parents
Using these techniques to effectively communicate with parents and other stakeholders can help to improve relationships
THE CAP Assessment
To enhance communication between high school college admission counsellors and parents, a collaborative approach involving counsellors, students and university representatives is essential. This strategy aims to ensure that parents, as stakeholders, receive pertinent information consistently throughout the year.
Implementing this approach involves several key elements:
- Visual aids: Develop visually appealing materials such as posters and leaflets that convey important information about college admissions. These materials should be strategically placed in areas of the school premises frequented by parents.
- Multilingual communication: Recognise the diversity of the parent community by utilising more than one language in communication materials. This ensures that language barriers are minimised, enabling all parents access crucial information.
- Newsletters: Create newsletters authored by both counsellors and students. Counsellors can provide expert insights and updates, while students can share their own experiences and perspectives. Consider having students take over newsletter creation on a rotating basis to increase engagement.
- Information sessions: Host information sessions conducted by counsellors and university representatives. These sessions offer opportunities for direct interaction and address specific concerns parents may have about the college admissions process.
- Online presence: Establish a dedicated “counselling corner” on the school website, where parents can access resources, FAQs and upcoming events related to college admissions. Additionally, maintain an active social media feed to share timely updates and engage with parents in a more informal manner.
The rationale behind this approach is rooted in the recognition that parents play a crucial role in their child’s educational journey and decision-making process regarding college application. By actively involving parents and providing them with comprehensive information, counsellors can foster a supportive environment conducive to successful college transitions.
Effective communication with parents should be ongoing and responsive to the needs of the school community. Regular feedback from parents, expectations, and guidance from the communications team should inform decisions regarding the frequency and mode of communication throughout the year.
By prioritising collaboration and transparency, high school college admission counsellors can empower parents to navigate the complexities of the college admissions process with confidence.
This lesson plan was created collaboratively as part of the Level 2 CAP Assessment by:
Paul Rispin: British International School Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Renata Condi: Instituto Singularidades, Brazil
Vivian Tawadros: Cairo Covenant School, Egypt
Irena Filkova: NOVA International Schools, Macedonia
Maria Cibela Alonso: Colégio Miguel de Cervantes, Brazil
Ning Deng: Beijing BISS International School, China
Selin Kartal: Aci High School, Turkey
Kristen Allen: The Global College, Spain
Ketevan Maghlakelidze: Enko Education, South Africa
Lori Fairbairn: United Nations International School Hanoi, Vietnam