Parents, Teachers are Partners

As a Chicago Public Schools parent for over 20 years, I have taken pride in being involved with my children's success in school. I find it imperative to be at every report card pickup day, watch my children's grades closely, seek assistance and have relationships with their teachers. I appreciate the ways CPS has provided connection points for me to engage with the success of my children.

I have a daughter who graduated from Legal Prep Charter School and a son who attends Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center. My goal is to keep in constant communication with my son's teachers. For weeks, I heard nothing from them. When I was finally able to get in touch with them, I was made aware of problems that could have been addressed much earlier.

As a parent, I would rather not only hear from my child's teachers when my child is almost failing or his or her behavior has gotten out of control, but also before these problems get to that point. I appreciate good and bad updates, and I would also love to see more teacher accountability when managing parent relationships and being responsive to communications from parents.

Tawana Harris, Chicago

To view this Letter as published in the Chicago Tribune, click here.