Parent Teacher Conferences
A Guide for Parents

Before you talk with the teacher...

What Things Would You Like To Know?  

Before you attend the conference, think about what you would like to discuss with your child's teacher.  Make yourself a list of questions, and feel free to bring the list with you.  Some useful, often asked questions:

• What things will my child be expected to learn this year?

• What are your expectations for homework?

• Has my child missed any assignments?

• How are my child's work habits?

• Does my child use time well?

• Are my child's skills at the level expected for this grade?

• Is my child's behavior appropriate?

• Does my child get along well with other students?

• Are there any areas you feel my child excels at?

• Are there any areas in which my child is having difficulty?

• Is my child in different groups for different subjects? Why?

• What can I do to help my child be more successful in school?

Those are just a few suggestions.  It is best to prepare the questions you most want answered.

What the Teacher Should Know:

You know your child better than anyone else, and the teacher can better help your child when he or she is aware of important information.

Some things your child's teacher should know are:

• Your child's favorite subjects.

• Things your child is interested in outside of school.

• Any medical, health needs or concerns that affect your child.

• Significant things happening at home that may affect your child's learning: moving, separation, divorce, a new birth, or a death in the family, etc.

   When You Talk With The Teacher...                  

Remember that the teacher wants to help your child succeed as much as you do.  The best thing to do is work toward cooperation between you and the teacher.  Even if you disagree with something the teacher has said, try to understand his or her point of view.  Be honest about your feelings.  It is all right to disagree, but work toward a common ground that you both can live with.  The support that you give your child's teacher can be one of the strongest factors in your child's learning success.

• Discuss the work your child has brought home for you to see.

• Be sure to ask the teacher to explain anything that you don't understand.  There are times when teachers may use educational terms that you do not understand.  Do not hesitate to ask for clarification of anything that is not clear to you.  The teacher needs your understanding so he or she will be glad to explain.

• Before you leave, make sure that both you and the teacher are in agreement about decisions you have made concerning your child.  It is always helpful to summarize the agreements you have come to so that you both are sure you have the same understanding.  If you have made major decisions, ask to meet again to follow up on them.

After you have talked...                 

  Be sure to share what has been said with your child.  Let your child know that you and the teacher are working together to help him/her with his/her learning.  Make a point to emphasize the positive things that the teachers has said.  Go over anything that needs improvement and work with your child to make a plan to carry out the suggestions the teacher has made to make these improvements.

If you think of a question you didn't ask at the conference, give the teacher a call, or write a note.  Keep in touch with the teacher.  Many attempts to solve a problem or make improvements have failed because a line of communication was not maintained.  Just knowing that you are in regular contact with the teacher can help your child a great deal!