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Parent Teacher Conferences

Published September 27, 2012

The first parent teacher conferences of the 2012-13 school year will take place in the coming weeks.  All parent teacher conferences will be held Thursday, October 11, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.  There will be no school for students that day.

Parent teacher conferences are a wonderful way for parents and teachers to establish a relationship.  By exchanging information, parents and teachers can help set the stage for a fantastic school year.  Listed below are a few tips we've collected to make sure each parent teacher conference is a success.

TALK WITH YOUR CHILD

Before you attend the conference, spend a few minutes talking with your child.  Tell him/her that you need help preparing for the conference.

  • Ask what he/she would like you to talk about with the teacher.
  • Ask what he/she thinks the teacher will say.
  • Ask about the things he/she likes and dislikes.
  • Let your child know that after the conference you will share and discuss with him/her what the teacher said.

THINK ABOUT QUESTIONS YOU’D LIKE TO ASK

Prepare some questions in advance.  Here are some suggestions depending on your child's grade level:

  • What is being covered in this grade or subject this year?
  • What are your expectations for homework?
  • Has my child missed any assignments?
  • How are my child’s work habits?
  • Does he/she use time well?
  • Does my child read at the level you would expect for this grade?
  • Is my child able to do the math you would expect for a student in this grade?
  • Is my child in different groups for different subjects? Why?
  • Does my child qualify for any special programs – for example, gifted and talented, English as a second language, or programs for those with learning disabilities?
  • Does my child get along well with others?
  • Does my child cooperate in class and follow directions?
  • What can I do at home to help my child be more successful at school?

WHAT SHOULD THE TEACHER KNOW?

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else.  Share the following information about your child with his/her teacher:

  • Your child’s favorite subjects.
  • Your child’s outside interests and hobbies.
  • Any medical or health needs your child might have.
  • Things happening at home that may affect schoolwork (e.g. moving, divorce, birth of a child).

AT THE CONFERENCE

It’s important that parents keep an open mind during the conference.  Remember that both you and the teacher want to help your child succeed.  Even if the teacher says something you disagree with, listen to what he/she has to say. Also:

  • Start the conference right: be there on time and plan not to run over the allotted time that has been set aside.
  • Ask to see your child’s work.  There’s no better way to see how your child is progressing.
  • Ask the teacher to explain terms that are new to you.  Every profession has its own jargon which can be hard to understand.
  • Sum up what you think has been said.  Make sure both you and the teacher agree on any decisions you have made about your child.  If necessary, ask to meet again.
  • Establish the best way to contact each other.  Email?  Phone?

It's a good idea to ask your most important questions first, just in case time runs out.  Be sure to ask the teacher for suggestions on ways to help your child perform better.  This is the most important part of the meeting.  It's a good idea to end each conference by summing up decisions you've made together.

AFTER THE CONFERENCE

Follow up. Stay in touch with the teacher.  If you think of a question you didn’t ask, contact the teacher.  Talk with your child.  Stress the positive things the teacher said and talk about suggestions for improvement.  Plan with your child how to carry out these suggestions.