Document, document, document.  We’ve all heard it before, right?  

But wait right there.  If you AREN’T documenting parent communication, START RIGHT NOW!

In this day and age, you just can’t be too careful.  I know it takes time and effort. But one day, you may be very, very thankful that you’ve done it.  

Any time you communicate with another adult about one of your students, you should be documenting the conversation.  It doesn’t have to be fancy and formal.  But it NEEDS to be done! In fact, here are three easy, time saving ways you can do just that. 

#1 Keep a Digital File for Each Student

If you teach self-contained, then it’s pretty easy to keep a file for each student.  If you teach in the secondary world, only make the files as you need them.  This way you can save yourself lots of time making files for 130+ students.  You can save e-mails, notes, etc.

#2 Keep a Digital File in your E-Mail

In your e-mail system, you probably have the ability to create folders.  If you teach secondary, organize your files by class periods.  Any email you get about a student, save to this file.  You can even type notes during meetings about a student and then e-mail them to yourself to put in the file.

#3 Use a Form

Use my FREEBIE documentation form to keep track of the right information.  If you are old-school like me, you can print these and take one with you when you are called to a meeting.  In fact, I actually have a folder that I take with me everywhere.  Inside are copies of my documentation form so I always have them on hand.  You can also use this handy form as a checklist when you take notes digitally and add it to your digital file!