A researcher whose name has long been forgotten once noted that most problems are communication problems. I tend to agree. That is why one area in which our school system is focusing this year is communication.

It is both amazing and reassuring to realize how many problems can be solved once the major players are brought to the table for positive discussion. Just as teachers are expected to communicate effectively with parents as part of their job, I encourage parents to establish effective avenues of communication with the school. Communication works best when the parties remember a few essential considerations: timeliness, accuracy and care.

First of all, time is of the essence when dealing with most student-related issues. Teachers should initiate timely communication in the form of notes, letters and phone calls to parents regarding matters of students' academic performance, punctuality, attendance and attitude.

Administrators are expected to initiate timely notices regarding school activities. Parents should expect this and never have to say, "I wish I had known." At the same time, parents are encouraged to notify schools promptly when anything occurs in a student's life which could impact his achievement or school demeanor. Many times, school personnel are aware of appropriate resources to help students through difficult times stemming from a variety of sources. Medical and attendance concerns should always be communicated to the school as soon as possible. Again, early intervention gets better results than most hurried, last minute attempts.

Second, communication works best when it is clear, specific and accurate. Teachers and parents should never hesitate to verify questionable information. When a school official calls home to verify a note, it is not a matter of distrust; it is usually an effort to protect our students and ourselves from miscommunication which could lead to any one of several misfortune occurrences.

Direct notes, e-mails and phone calls between teachers and parents are proven ways to keep students tuned to the essentials for effective school life: punctuality, regular attendance and hard work. In addition, most problems are best solved at the most immediate level of interaction. That means the teachers is usually the first person a parent should contact when concerned about classroom performance.

Third, effective communication should occur as a result of caring about our parental and educational responsibilities. Even conflict comes from caring. There are always going to be times when it is hard for a parent and teacher or administrator to agree.

At those times, it is best to pause for a moment and always consider what is best for the student. I believe that if we truly want what is best for our students, then as parents and educators we will make the best decision together most of the time.

This requires regular, factual communication designed to build a lasting bridge between home and school, a bridge that will carry us all effectively into the relationships that are best for our purpose of educating our young people.