How to Have a Successful Parent Teacher Conference
Parent-teacher conferences roll around twice per year in most school districts: one meeting at the beginning of the year and one closer to the end. These meetings give parents and teachers a chance to discuss the child's specific progress and areas that need improvement. Your child's teacher handles most of the work by gathering examples of work and completing assessments, but parents also play a role in the success of the conference.
Instructions
Respond to notes sent home from school. If your child's school sends home a signup sheet or a questionnaire about conferences, complete it so you can get a time that fits your schedule. Contact your child's teacher if your scheduled time doesn't work for you. Mark the date and time of the conference on your calendar. Make it a priority to attend the meeting. If something comes up, let the teacher know right away so you can reschedule. Review the information about the conference to determine if you need to bring anything. Determine if your child is allowed at the conference, or if you need to make arrangements for a babysitter. The students are often included in conferences and may even lead part of the meeting. Check out your child's schoolwork that comes home leading up to the conference. You will most likely know if your child has any major behavior or learning problems in the classroom, but looking at the work can help you spot other issues. The assignments that come home may also help you think of discussion points or questions to ask at the conference. Write a list of questions and concerns you want to address with the teacher. Bring the list with you, along with extra paper for taking notes if necessary. The teacher may answer some or all of your questions during the course of the conference, but the list serves as a reference for things she doesn't cover. Note any information about your child that you feel may help the teacher. For example, you might let him know that your family is facing a difficult situation that could affect your child's learning. You may note that your child learns best under certain circumstances, which will help the teacher make classroom accommodations. Teachers are the experts, but you have a personal insight to your child's personality and life that is helpful. Arrive early to the conference so you get your full time. If you show up late, the teacher may need to cut the conference short to stay on schedule. Approach the conference calmly to create a positive tone. Being confrontational or overly emotional creates a negative environment and prevents you from effectively communicating with your child's teacher. If you go into the conference upset about something, you won't likely listen to the teacher's explanation. Listen to what the teacher has to say. Let him share the information and documents he gathered that show your child's work in the classroom. Ask questions if information he shares sparks an idea, but avoid interrupting frequently. Communicate your concerns or questions in a respectful manner. Listen to the teacher's response. You may change your opinion once you hear the teacher's insight about a particular issue. Work together to come up with solutions that benefit your child. End the conference on a positive note by thanking the teacher. Take home any documents he offers. Make a plan to follow up with any concerns you identified with the teacher.
