San Diego Unified School District logo
April 2008  
Straight Talk from the Classroom
New parent communications tool for teachers
Every Day Counts LogoThe Connect-ED web-based communications system is already helping schools improve parent involvement. Soon teachers will have their own system to communicate with parents, direct from the classroom, with the new Connect-ED Teacher.

San Diego Unified is participating in the pilot project for this classroom-level tool. Teachers will be able to send brief, pre-recorded messages to parents and guardians with important reminders and feedback on dozens of timely issues. "Real voice" recordings can be personalized with student names as well as programmed in various languages and for a specific delivery time.

"I can't wait to get parents more involved with test preparation, school projects and something as simple as paying attention to homework assignments," says Serra High teacher Elizabeth Ward. "This is going to be a very useful tool, especially to reach parents who speak other languages."

The pilot launch date is mid-May. Approximately 30 school sites, mostly year-round elementary and middle schools along with several high schools, will participate. The goal is a district-wide launch in fall 2008, at no additional cost to school sites.

Is your school interested in participating in Connect-ED Teacher pilot? Simply complete and submit the Application for the Connect-ED Teacher Pilot Program form Microsoft Word by Friday, May 9. Schools will be selected based on a variety of factors. For more information, contact jbreister@sandi.net.

Published with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation Grant.