Congratulations to Kimberly Patterson who successfully defended her thesis titled: “Modifying the Relationship Building Role Defining (RBRD) Conference Protocol for use in Parent-Teacher Conferences.” (June 20, 2014)

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to modify the Relationship Building Role Defining (RBRD) Coaching Protocol (Reiman & Peace, 2004) for use in parent-teacher conference and to explore its effectiveness. The original RBRD protocol aims to build a relationship between a mentor teacher and a novice teacher working in a helping relationship. The design allows them to share their backgrounds and discuss their roles (Reiman & Peace, 2004). Working in partnership with a middle grades teacher, the RBRD-PTC protocol aims to build a relationship between the parent(s) and teacher and provide both with the opportunity to express their view of their roles and expectations as they apply to educating the student. This case study included one parent and one teacher. The teacher was trained in the use of the RBRD protocol, conducted a parent-teacher conference using the protocol, and participated in two interviews (pre- and post-), The parent participated in one interview following the conference. The parent-teacher conference was recorded to analyze the teacher’s fidelity to the modified RBRD protocol. Findings indicate the parent and teacher were successful in furthering their relationship and expressing their expectations during the conference. The parent and teacher built shared understandings and formed a partnership as a result of the conference.