During the months between parent$-$teacher$-$student conferences, Mr$.$ Small telephones his students parents at least once. He keeps note cards for each family, listing the phone number, best times to reach parents, and dates of contact. He also jots down notes of childrens accomplishments, as well as any problem areas for discussion. In his telephone conversations with parents, Mr$.$ Small begins with a few areas in which the students are doing well. When he must bring up areas that need improvement, the parents are usually receptive to his suggestions and often add ideas of their own