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Tips for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Published October 12, 2006

The first grading period of the year is coming to an end, and it's time for parent-teacher conferences. This important meeting is a great way for parents to learn more about their child's school experience. The Parent Institute recommends asking the following questions to get the most out of the time you have with your child's teacher:

  • What are my child's best and worst subjects?
  • Has my child missed any classes other than the ones I contacted the school about?
  • Have you noticed any sudden changes in the way my child acts in school?
  • What can we do together to help my child have a good year?

The National Education Association also has some advice for making parent-teacher conferences a success. The NEA recommends you speak with your child before the conference. Ask them what they think are their best and worst subjects. Also, ask if there is anything they'd like you to ask the teacher. The NEA also suggests keeping the following in mind before you head to the conference:

things about your child's life at home, personality, problems, habits, and hobbies you feel it's important for the teacher to know
your concerns about the school's programs or policies
questions about your child's progress
how you and the school can work together to help your child
Following the conference, the NEA recommends staying in regular touch with the teacher to discuss your child's progress. Remember, working together with your child's teacher can go a long way in making sure your child has the best educational experience possible.