Schools Are Using Social Networking to Involve Parents

Maria Garcia, 40, a parent in the Houston Independent School District, uses technology and other resources for a class for parents at a Parent Super Center in Sam Houston High School. The center is one of five in the district that offer parents access to digital-literacy classes and other learning opportunities.

—Michael Stravato for Education Week

By Nora Fleming

Digital technology is providing a growing variety of methods for school leaders to connect with parents anywhere, anytime—a tactic mirroring how technology is used to engage students.

Through Twitter feeds, Facebook pages, and text messages sent in multiple languages, school staff members are giving parents instant updates, news, and information about their children's schools. Not only that, but a number of districts are also providing parents access to Web portals where they can see everything from their children's grades on school assignments to their locker combinations and what they're served for lunch.

Socioeconomic disparities in Internet access can make such digital-outreach efforts challenging and even divisive, however; some parents have many options for connecting...