Suggestions for Getting the Most from Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

A parent-teacher conference is an opportunity for both you and the teacher to get a better perspective on a child's educational and emotional growth.

• Find out how your child feels about school. Ask about his/her favorite and least favorite subjects.
• Make a list of your child's special interests and hobbies.
• Consider sharing any information that may affect your child's behavior and academic performance.

During the Conference

• Share the information you thought about before you went to the conference.
• Ask how your child is adjusting socially in the classroom. Does he or she have friends at school?
• Ask about homework assignments your child is expected to do.
• Ask for definitions of educational terms that you may not have heard before; curriculum, phonemic awareness, etc.
• If your child is experiencing difficulty academically or socially discuss ways to resolve the problem. Come up with a plan of action which outlines goals for you, your child and the teacher. Make sure these goals are realistic. Plan to meet for a follow-up discussion.

After the Meeting

• Share information from the conference discussion with your child. Be positive when addressing any areas in need of improvement.
• Follow-up on all suggestions your child's teacher makes.
• Keep track of your child's progress in school. Regularly review classroom material, homework and tests.
• Keep in touch with your child's teacher throughout the year.

Help Your Child Succeed in School:

First, establish a daily family routine:

• Provide time to study or for homework
• Assign responsibility for household chores
• Set times to get up and go to bed
• Have dinner together

Always monitor out-of-school activities:

• Set limits on watching television
• Check up on children when parents are not home
• Arrange for after-school activities and supervised care

Be sure to follow your children’s progress in school:

• Show interest in children’s progress at school
• Help with homework
• Discuss the value of a good education and possible career options
• Stay in touch with teachers and school staff

Encourage reading, writing, and discussions among family members

• Read, listen to children read, and talk about what is being read
• Discuss the day over dinner
• Tell stories and share problems

Express high but realistic expectations for achievement:

• Set goals and standards that are appropriate for children’s ages and maturity
• Recognize and encourage special talents
• Inform friends and family about successes

Using community resources for family needs:

• Enroll children in sports programs or lessons
• Introduce children to role models and mentors