Strengthen District Leadership and Communications

More sophisticated technology can expand the one-way communications into a sustained dialogue – and also transform home-school relationships. Web-based learning management networks and software applications, for example, can give parents and students one-stop access to classroom activities, homework assignments, traditional and multimedia content, grades and other student records, extracurricular activities and more. Parents can be much more meaningfully involved in monitoring their children's progress – and intervening with teachers, if necessary. Students can have anytime, anywhere access to schoolwork and collaborative tools – and online "drop boxes" for turning in assignments.

Superintendents voice strong satisfaction with the power of technologies like these to support parent involvement and community engagement.