Getting to know your students... Ideas?

This week our student teachers were presenting portfolio data that shared their insight into their communities (parent contacts, community events, IEP meetings, interest inventories, analyzing community data from Teacher Working Conditions Surveys and NC Report Card, riding the bus), and sharing professional development research and work they participated on in professional learning communities. Getting a whole picture of children, schools, and communities is our first goal for learning where to start.

Our candidates are learning the importance of getting to know their students, using data. They created 'mock' Professional Development Plans and worked in teams on areas of interest.

I wonder if you would like to share the best ways to get to know your students' needs (perhaps sharing an interest inventory), parents, and communities. My candidates would appreciate your insights. (: