Why Are Parent-Teacher Conferences Important?
Parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity for parents to receive information about their child’s performance and progress in school. Parent-teacher conferences take place several times during the academic year. If you are unsure of when your child’s conference is, contact your child’s school or teacher to get the dates and times.
Before your parent-teacher conferences:
• Make a list of questions that you have about your child’s learning that you would like the teacher to answer.
• Talk with your child before conferences. Some conferences are designed for both the students and the parent to attend. Check with your child’s school to see if your child should also attend the conference.
• Ask your child what they think their teacher will say if you feel comfortable doing so.
• Next, go over the subjects that your child likes and/or dislikes.
• Then, ask your child if there is anything they would like you to talk about.
• Finally, gather any information about your child you would like the teacher to know.
During your parent-teacher conference:
• Be on time.
• Take detailed notes.
• Ask questions about your child’s learning as well as social skills.
• What is my child’s strongest and weakest subject?
• What can I do at home?
• Does my child complete assignments and homework?
• How well does my child get along with teachers and students?
• How are grades determined?
• Ask the teacher about the different tests your child is given this year.
• Share information about your child.
• How much your child reads at home.
• Any special talents that may not be addressed at school.
• What your child likes and dislikes about school.
• Remind the teacher of any health issues.
• Update any information that may have changed such as addresses, phone numbers, or emergency contact information.
• Afterwards, thank the teacher for his/her time.
References:
Harvard Family Research Project. (2010). Parent–Teacher Conference Tip Sheets for Principals, Teachers, and Parents. Retrieved from http://www.hfrp.org/var/hfrp/storage/fckeditor/File/Parent-Teacher-ConferenceTipSheet-100610.pdf
Canter, A. (2002). Parent-Teacher Conferences. Retrieved July 22, 2003, from teachers and families Web site: www.teachersandfamilies.com
Surviving Parent Teacher Conferences. (n.d). Retrieved July 22, 2003, from National Mental Health and Education Center Web site: http://www.naspcenter.org/parents/ptconf.html