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Tips
for Successful
Parent/Teacher Conferences
September 21, 2005
Research conducted over the past quarter century has shown convincingly
that parent involvement has a critical effect on a child’s
learning, attitude about school, and aspirations. The more parents
understand and support the teacher, the more they help their children.
When parents and teachers work together, they can make an unbeatable
team. Parent-teacher conferences help build that team. Here are
some suggestions for success.
Before the conference
Write down some questions that you want to
discuss such as:
- How
is my child doing in class?
- Is my child performing on grade
level in math, reading, science, etc?
- Does my child follow directions and use his time well?
- How are my
child’s work habits?
- How much time should I expect
my child to spend on homework each night?
- What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses at school?
- How
does my child get along with classmates?
- Is my child respectful
of adults at school?
- What can I do at home
to support what you are doing in the classroom?
Be prepared to talk and listen during the conference. What goes
on at home affects how well a child does in school. Be sure to
let the teacher know about such key events as a separation or divorce,
family illness, new baby, or death of a loved one. It is not necessary
to share all your personal business, but it will help the teacher
to know these important events.
At the conference
- Arrive on time and stay only for the amount
of time scheduled for your appointment. If questions have not been
discussed or answered
to your satisfaction, ask for a future appointment.
- Talk about
your child’s interests and any special information
that seems to be a concern to your child. Make notes about
the discussion that you may want to review with your child.
- If you child needs additional help, ask for suggestions from
the teacher.
- Ask the teacher to explain anything you do not understand.
Sometimes an educator will use acronyms for a special program
and leave
you in the dark! Be sure and speak up!
- Summarize your understanding of your child’s
progress and the teacher’s comments to make sure you and the teacher
are in full agreement.
- Follow up on any plan of action agreed
to. Stay in touch with the teacher. If you think of additional questions
later, feel free
to email the teacher or leave a voicemail.
After the conference
- Discuss with your child what was said during
the conference, being sure to emphasize the positive comments
made by the teacher.
- Talk to your child about ways to improve their academics
and work study habits.
- Use this as a chance to praise your
child and to show your true interest in their school life.
Compiled by:
Mary Kay Eastep, Mitchell Elementary School Counselor
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