Conferences

A parent-teacher partnership is needed if your child is to have a happy and productive school experience. You as a parent can be helpful to the teacher, and you can seek advice from the teacher who works with your child daily. Everyone benefits from a good parent-teacher conference. Whenever possible, both parents or guardians should participate.

Before the Conference

Speak with your child about school and learn his/her thoughts and feelings. Write down your questions, which might include some of the following concerns:

The school's academic program:

• Testing program
• Grading, homework and discipline policies

Your child's:

• Ability to do schoolwork
• Current levels of achievement in reading, math, and other areas
• Attitude towards school
• Ability to get along with others
• Grading, homework and discipline policies

During the Conference

• Discuss your child's:
• Achievements
• Physical and emotional health
• Likes and dislikes
• Activities after school
• Responsibilities at home

After the Conference

• Jot down important points discussed
• Share the results with the appropriate person(s) in your family
• Discuss the conference with your child:
• Stress positive points brought out by the teacher
• Give compliments of the things done well
• Discuss the teachers suggestions for improvement

Be sure to check back with the teacher on a mutually agreed upon date to discover how the child has progressed since the conference.