Preparing for the Parent-Teacher Conference
Talking With Teachers About Your Child's Progress in School
Oct 6, 2009
Jenee Watts of Sacramento Parent Magazine explained in a recent interview that "the best way to prepare for a parent-teacher conference is to write questions out ahead of time, but come to the meeting relaxed and prepared to listen. It may be hard to remember, but the focus is not about the parent, it is about the child."
Focus on Meeting the Child's Needs
Most importantly, come to the meeting prepared to be part of the team to meet the child's overall needs. Offer insight to the teacher about the child's individual personality and what activities at home bring out the most enjoyment and the best performance. Mention any challenges, changes or situations at home which may be affecting the child's ability to concentrate or focus on school work. Ask the teacher for specific suggestions or resources to take home to help the child be a good learner.
Common Parent Concerns
Come to the meeting prepared with a list of questions to ask. Try to not have unrealistic, preconceived ideas about the school environment and the teacher being able to solve every problem. Be prepared to offer solutions and reinforce lessons at home. Common parent concerns include:
- Is academic progress normal for the age of the child?
- Is the child adjusting well to a new grade level?
- Does the child have good behavior and social skills?
- What are the homework policies for sickness and vacation?
- What does the teacher think of the parent?
Tips for Good Parent-Teacher Conferences
Here are some age appropriate tips for parents to make the most out of the parent-teacher conference. All parents need to remember are four simple things: ask, give, offer, and expect:
Preschool, Ages 2-5
- Ask how the child gets along with other children
- Give the teacher positive feedback about children's progress
- Offer to reinforce areas for improvement at home
- Expect to have patience with children's progress at this age
Elementary School, Ages 6-11
- Ask how the child is adjusting to longer periods of focused desk work
- Give the teacher time to explain first, then give feedback
- Offer to develop a joint plan to improve grades or behavior
- Expect teachers to report that some behavior is different at school than at home
Middle School, Ages 12-14
- Ask how the child is handling peer pressure, along with academic work
- Give honest feedback to the teacher about any issues outside school which may be affecting progress.
- Offer to work on some action items for an additional meeting if needed
- Expect to work with the child to help balance extra curricular and academic activities
Journey Toward Educational Success
Remember that the most important things you can do for a child are to help them be good learners. Be patient with the time it takes for children to reach milestones. Many children show progress in ways that aren't measured in teacher's evaluations or report cards. Help children reinforce learning concepts at home, be part of the solution to improve grades or behavior, and expect challenges along the way. Use the opportunity of a parent-teacher conference to ask teachers questions and help communicate the needs of children.
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