Case
Unreachable Parent

I am dealing with a group of students who are off task and choosing to talk instead of work in class. The students have been redirected and informed that they need to stay on task and quit talking. When this does not work my first step is to contact the parents. Three of the students parents are unreachable due to phones being disconnected or wrong numbers. I don't know what I should do next.

Solution #1
Top Solution
If the parents numbers are wrong I would double check with the main office if they got updated numbers and let them know of the situation. They should have the correct numbers. If not, I would try sending home a note stating you have the wrong number and want to discuss some stuff that happens in class.

I agree with this solution

I agree

Solution #2
I would go ahead and double check the contact information with the office, they may have a more reliable number or email address. If and when you are able to get into contact with the parents you may still find a lack of support for the current problem. I would try to come up with some consequences that may lessen the talking. You didn't mention the grade level, however if they are in elementary school the students who choose to chat during instructional or independent work time could give up their lunch period to sit and eat by themselves. The thinking here is that if they want to chat during your time, then they don't get to chat during their time. Consequences such as this may assist them in making better decisions.

It is a very reasonable solution. This also depends on the age group.

Solution #3
If you are finding the parents phone numbers are wrong or disconected i would contact the office to double check you have the correct number. I would then attempt to email the parents as another form of contact. If you are still unable to reach the parents then i would check with administration on what the next step would be.

I agree with this situation. I think that forcing communication with the parents is vital for student success.

Solution #4
I would definitely double check with the office to make sure you have the correct number.
Solution #5
I would have a meeting with each student in that group before or after class to express that their constant talking and off task behavior is a disruption to not only their learning but the other students in the classroom. I would explain to them that there are appropriate times during class that they are allowed to talk and that when it is time to work independently then they need to get to work. I would also write a note home to notify the parents as well as send an email and ask for a conference. The final thing i would do would be to ask the office for an updated contact number because if the parents are disconnecting their numbers it is a safety issue that there is not an updated phone number on file in case of emergency. I would also reward the students when they exhibit on task behavior and do not talk unless it is time to talk. Positive reinforcement is always key.
Solution #6
I would double check and make sure the numbers are correct. If they aren't then I would send letters home or ask administration for help contacting the parents.
Solution #7
Most students should have planners in your classroom that you send home important papers and questions and other things in at the end of the day. You could try and write a note in their planner asking for the parents to call you to discuss their student and leave a good phone number that they can call you back at. Another thing that you can do is to check with the administative office or even the clinic to see if they may have a different phone number from you. And if that still does not work you may want to check with administation to talk about the students.
Solution #8
If the parents are unreachable you might want to check with the front office on the parents phone numbers. The front office may have an up to date list.
Solution #9
If you have an email address I would try emailing them because some parents prefer one form of communication over the other. If you can't reach them through emailing either than I would check with the office to see if you have the right number.
Solution #10
I would email the parents or send another information sheet with students. Double check if the information you have for the students are correct and if not get the correct information.
Solution #11
Hello, I would try to connect with the students and see what the reason behind their behavior is. Maybe they're close friends and just have a lot to talk about. In this case, i would simply separate the students.

I disagree with this solution

Solution #12
I would talk to administration to get their correct numbers or contact information, or just to have administration contact them instead. It's important to have a reliable line of communication with parents.

I think that this solution is best. Making sure you have the correct numbers is essential and the office should have updated phone numbers.

I disagree with this solution

Solution #13
I would definitely go to the registrar and ask for the phone number and the address so you can call and mail a notice to the parents.
Solution #14
This will vary by school. I would reach out to whoever is above you and let it be known that on yearend you are doing all that you can. They might send someone out get in touch with the parent =, or try contacting others ways. You can also send a note home with the student.
Solution #15
Solution #16
Hello, I would try to connect with the students and see what the reason behind their behavior is. Maybe they're close friends and just have a lot to talk about. In this case, i would simply separate the students.

I think this solution may work. I would sit the students down individually when they are away from their friends. Students tend to open up and take things seriously if their friends aren't involved.