Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

The kids have been back in school for several weeks. The backpacks are full; new friends’ names are sprinkled in conversation; and (surprise!) lunch in the school cafeteria is a hit! The school year has been successfully launched, and now it’s time to check in with mission control in that annual fall ritual—parent-teacher conferences.Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled two to four times a year. Think of them as a kind of academic ‘check up.’ To help you make the most of the 15 to 20 minutes usually allotted, we’ve assembled some hints below and two handy downloadable tip sheets.CONFERENCE ETIQUETTE:Be professional.

• Schedule an appointment. Arrive on time or a few minutes early. Don’t overstay your time.
• Make childcare arrangements for younger children, if possible. They can be a distraction.
• Be positive and open-minded. You and the teacher are on the same team—your child’s.

BE PREPARED: Your child’s teacher will prepare for the conference and so should you.

• Review your child’s work in advance including class work, homework assignments, tests, projects or reports, and reading material.
• Ask your child about class work and routines, what happens at lunchtime, recess, or in special classes such as art and music. Use the downloadable My Learning Report to get the conversation started.
• Gather information from family members especially if they are unable to attend the conference.

ASK QUESTIONS: That’s what school is all about, right?

• Make a list of key questions that you want to cover with the teacher. Choose from our list to help you get the most from your appointment.  Download list
• Prioritize your concerns so that you’ll be sure to cover the most important ones before your conference time is up.
• Take notes!

FOLLOW UP: Express your appreciation and plan for the future.

• Agree on a specific action plan for any behavioral or academic issues.
• Determine how to best keep in touch with one another: e-mail, phone, in person, written notes.
• Confirm how frequently contact should take place: weekly, monthly, as needed.
• Offer your support. From volunteering in the classroom to prep work you can do at home, teachers really appreciate your involvement and help.

SHARE WITH YOUR CHILD:What did my teacher say?

• Talk to your child about the conference as soon as possible.  He or she will likely be curious.
• Describe the visit including observations, such as what you liked about the classroom, and what you learned.
• Explain any plans you and the teacher made to help your child with his or her class work or behavior. Solicit your child’s feedback and any suggestions he or she might have.

THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!Parent-teacher conferences are part of an on-going collaboration with your child’s teacher. Teachers are busy professionals, but most will welcome you as a partner in your child’s education and will appreciate your involvement.  Have a great school year! AUTHOR BIO: Marcia Gresko leads the Product Development team at EI. She was a teacher for 15 years and has written extensively for teachers. For the last 10 years, she has volunteered in a local literacy program, working with at-risk students.