I recently was in a WASC meeting in which my colleagues and I were discussing how we can improve our communication with students, increase engagement and improve the culture of the school. Of course all of these goals are inter-related and rely heavily on the interactions between the teacher and students. Students in grades 9-12 were surveyed about several components of our school, including, "How do you best communicate with your teacher?" The results were as follows; 50% text message, 46% e-mail and 4% phone call. I then asked my colleagues what they prefer as a means for communicating with students? Parents? Most of my colleagues said they prefer email. "It's easier for me because I am at my computer." "I am not that great at using text." "I like to have a record of our conversations, just in case there is a problem." "I'm not that fast at texting and its really not professional. " While all of these reasons are valid to the individual teacher, is this what is best for students? Should the communication form be up to just the teacher?
Here's a Poll for you to answer the same question and view the results of other participants.
I text 90% of my students and 100% of their parents, as that is what "they" prefer. One of my students does not have a cell phone but they still prefer me to text them on their mom's phone. If I don't get a text response, my default is to call, in which I usually end up leaving a voice message and then receive a text message reply. Times have changed, especially with communication. Is doing what we, as teachers prefer the best for our students? I especially am concerned about students with special needs or students who are struggling with school. Students who may not have support at home and may need more frequent communication. Telling students to check their email daily as a requirement, won't change the fact that most students don't check email but they will check their text messages. Students who check their email are more successful and might have a support system in which that is reinforced at home. While it is a great skill for students to learn to use email, sometimes a simple question can best be answered in a text message.
Why I Text My Students?
I started texting students in summer school about ten years ago because it was the most successful method of communication with parents and students. Students were required to attend one day a week and worked online the rest of the week, at home. Daily communication with parents was expected and necessary because students only had 20 days of summer school to complete two semesters of coursework. I quickly learned that if I texted, I received an immediate response 80-90% of the time. When I called, I had less than 40% that would answer, which meant leaving messages and calling back. I started using a Google Voice phone number, but quickly just used my personal number. Google Voice allows you to have an assigned number that is connected to your phone. Thus, you don't have to give out your personal phone number. I have never had an issue. In fact, when the summer is over I never hear from the students again, which is actually kind of sad. I was pleasantly surprised that parents preferred a quick text, since many were working. Another great reason to text is, the message can be translated into the parent or student's preferred language. If you are still on the fence about whether you should text your students and parents, consider asking them and also consider another resource, Remind. Remind is used by many of my colleagues who coach athletic teams, organize activities and club events. Communication helps teachers and parents support student toward successful lives. I challenge you to try texting, use a Google Voice number or the Remind App as a way to engage more families, while improving the communication and the culture of the school.