Tips for a Successful Conference
Parent-teacher conferences are two-way conversations that make a difference in student success. The following are tips to get the most out of a parent-teacher meeting.
Before the conference
- Schedule a time to meet. If you can’t go at the scheduled time, contact the teacher to find out if there are additional times he or she may be available.
- Review your child’s work, such as grades and progress reports.
- Talk with your child about his or her progress in school.
- Talk with family members, after-school staff, mentors, and others close to your child about your child’s strengths and needs.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask during the conference.
During the conference
- Take turns with the teacher talking and listening. The conference is a time for you to learn about your child’s progress in school, and also a time for the teacher to learn more about your child.
- Ask specific questions such as:
- Is my child performing at grade level?
- How is she doing compared to the rest of the class?
- What do you see as his strengths?
- How could she improve?
- Ask to see examples of your child’s work and how the teacher gives grades.
- Share you thoughts and feelings about your child. Tell the teacher what you think your child is good at and explain what she or he might need more help with.
- Ask what you can do at home to help your child learn. This is a great opportunity to find out about other programs or services in the community which may be a resource for your child.
After the conference
- Make a plan. Write down what you and the teacher will each do to support your child. What down what you will do, when, and how often.
- Schedule an appointment to check in with the teacher in the following months. Ask how you can stay in contact with the teacher and make sure the teacher has a reliable way of contacting you. There are many ways to communicate: in person, by phone, notes, and email. Make a plan that works for both of you.
- Talk to your child. The parent-teacher conference is all about your child, so remember to include him or her. Share with your child what you learned and show him or her how you will help with learning at home.