Principals and School Psychologists Staff Hotline

During the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) convention, school psychologists and principals will staff a national hotline for three days. Children, parents, grandparents, or anyone who has an education-related question is invited to call or e-mail questions.

Calling all parents, grandparents, children -- or anyone interested in education. Sunday, April 8, through Tuesday, April 10, principals and school psychologists want to answer your questions. The National Association of Elementary Principals (NAESP) has sponsored an annual national hotline for the past 12 years as a way of encouraging closer connections between home and schools. About 150 principals will staff the hotline over three days, during the association's annual convention.

Thousands of parents, grandparents, children, and teachers have called the hotline in the past, asking about a variety of topics. Top concerns often relate to school readiness, communication difficulties, special education, discipline, homework, and violence in school. The majority of callers are parents, with mothers and fathers asking an equal number of questions. "We also get lots of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and guardians," says June Million, spokeswoman for the NAESP.

"One reason they like to call the hotline is they feel they can ask any question," Million explains to Education World. "They are not worried about repercussions against their children. They can be totally open, which is the strength of the hotline."

Principals offer very specific advice and strategies to parents, along with encouragement. "A lot of parents are overwhelmed with the difficult children, and they do need counseling advice and help," Million says.

"Principals definitely feel they are doing something good or they wouldn't sign up year after year," Million continues. "I think it gets them connected as they listen to parents all over the country."

Those who call will also receive a free booklet, "What Parents Should Look for in Their Child's Elementary School." The booklet describes the characteristics of a good elementary school.

The toll-free number for the hotline is 800-944-1601. Visit the NAESP Web site to e-mail a question. The hotline schedule is Sunday, April 8, from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. (EST); Monday, April 9, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.; and Tuesday, April 10, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

NAESP delegates will convene in San Diego, California. Highlights of the convention include several guest speakers. Mae Jemison was the first woman of color to fly aboard a space shuttle, Endeavor, and teaches environmental studies at Dartmouth College. Jonathan Kozol is the author of several books regarding inequities in education, including the recently published Ordinary Resurrections. Edward James Olmos, an award-winning actor, has used his celebrity status to promote diversity.

Delegates are also expected to approve several resolutions at the convention, Million said. Those resolutions include recognizing the adverse effects of grade retention and the benefits of small schools, a warning about trends that emphasize teaching-to-the-test, and a caution that standardized tests should be used to improve instruction, not rank schools.

Article by Diane Weaver Dunne
Education World®
Copyright © 2006 Education World

04/05/2001