Parent/Teacher Conferences: For Parents

Parent conferences are quickly approaching.  Educators truly look forward to this first opportunity to formally meet and discuss each student's progress.  The 20 minutes we have to talk during conferences seems to fly by, and it is often difficult to fit everything you and the teacher would like to talk about into the allocated time slot.  Therefore, I wanted to provide you with a few tips and tricks to help prepare for upcoming meetings with your children’s teachers.

Come prepared for a two-way conversation

Parent/teacher conferences are most successful if both parties talk AND listen.  The teacher will surely have information to present; however, this is also a good time to fill the teacher in on behaviors you see at home.  Often a child’s behaviors are not consistent between home and school, so providing the teacher with that information will allow him/her to understand your child as a whole person, not just as a student.

Review academic records

Before the conference, review your child’s academic work, tests, and other information that he/she may have brought home so you are prepared to ask specific questions about your child’s academic progress.  Prepare any questions you may have about areas in which your child is struggling or excelling before the meeting.

Come with an open mind

During conferences teachers will be discussing your child’s strengths as well as areas in need of growth.  Reflect before the conference on areas that you want to discuss with the teacher, but be willing to accept ideas and suggestions from the teacher that may not have occurred to you before the meeting. 

Talk to your child about how school is going

Oftentimes, your child can provide background knowledge as to what is going well in his/her classroom.  You child’s voice deserves to be part of the conversation, so having an honest discussion with your child beforehand may provide you with additional information to discuss during the meeting.

Focus on the positive

Everyone enjoys positive reinforcement.  Even if you may want to discuss areas of growth or concern with your child’s teacher, try to focus on positive aspects of your child’s progress or classroom procedures to help create a positive relationship between school and home.

I truly hope that parents, teachers, and students will walk away from conferences on a positive note with ideas and suggestions to help your children continue to grow and become successful throughout the school year.  It is a great opportunity to continue to build relationships between school and home, and I hope all involved take advantage of the opportunity for discussion and growth.