Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! Make the most out of these meetings. Even if your student is performing well, still take the opportunity to meet with the teacher, learn more about your student's academic performance, and give the teacher any information they might need.
Here are some tips to consider:
1. Spend some time discussing school with your child BEFORE your meeting.
Ask your child how they feel about their classes, and together, prepare a short list of questions or concerns that you can raise with the teacher. Coming prepared to the conference shows you care about your child's education, and will establish you as an equal participant.
2. Don't be late.
These meetings are usually scheduled in blocks of time, and often run over the time limit as it is. Your promptness reflects well on your child.
3. Stay focused on the matter at hand.
Yes, it is great to spend time chatting about how wonderful the last field trip was, or about how you can help at the next fundraiser, but that's not what the conference is for. Stay focused. There will be other less formal opportunities to talk about those things.
4. Try to keep your mind open to the teacher's ideas and concerns.
The teacher's job at a parent-teacher conference is to let you know what your child is expected to learn and how she or he is meeting those expectations. It's easy to get emotional and feel your child is under personal attack if someone is openly criticizing your child. No one is blaming you! They just want to let you know what your child needs to focus on, so a plan can be made to improve those areas.
5. Take notes and discuss everything later with your son or daughter.
Get their input on what was discussed and ask them how they feel about what was said. Be honest and direct so everyone is on the same page. Remember it takes the student, the parent, the teacher, and the school system to turn out great kids!
Not sure where to start? Here are some good questions to ask:
- What topics will be taught this year? What are some important skills that my child will have to master?
- In what areas is my child doing well? In what areas is my child having difficulties?
- Does my child participate in class activities and discussions? Does she/he do the homework assignments?
- How much time do you expect to be spent on homework each night?
- What are the standardized tests in my child's grade or subject? When are they given? How will I be informed of the results?
- Should we look into tutoring for our student for any subject?
- What determines the grade my child will get in this class?
- How can I get in touch with you?
