National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

Which example best illustrates a collaborative home-school relationship?

1. Mr. Thiessen sends home progress reports every Friday afternoon.

2. Mrs. Leachman sends home a positive note with a chosen student twice a week.

3. Miss Rockwell adjusts the due date of a major project after Emily's father explains that Emily needs help finding resources.

4. Ms. Yates responds to e-mail from parents within twenty-four hours.

The correct answer is: Miss Rockwell adjusts the due date of a major project after Emily's father explains that Emily needs help finding resources.

A collaborative home-school relationship is characterized by mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to work together for the benefit of the student. In the chosen example, Miss Rockwell's adjustment of the project due date demonstrates active engagement with both students and parents. By responding to Emily's father's concerns and recognizing the need for additional support, she fosters a partnership that emphasizes the importance of communication between home and school. This collaboration not only allows Miss Rockwell to better understand the individual needs of her student but also involves the family in the educational process. Adjusting the due date illustrates flexibility and responsiveness to specific circumstances, which are crucial elements in building trust and cooperation between educators and families. In contrast, the other scenarios, while positive, primarily focus on communication or positive reinforcement without the same level of collaboration. Sending progress reports and response emails are important, but they do not necessarily reflect the same depth of partnership as actively modifying an assignment in consideration of a student's home situation. Similarly, sending home positive notes helps encourage students but lacks the dynamic interaction that characterizes true collaboration with families.