Parent-Teacher Conference Tips

With fall rolling in, it’s that time of the year again for all parents to attend the ’sometimes dreaded’ Parent Teacher Conference. 

With some good planning, the conference can be productive and useful for parents, teachers and students.

Here are some tips for SCV moms and dads to make the most out of their parent-teacher meetings.

Plan ahead for the meetings and write down any questions you have about your child’s academic progress or any points you would like to raise with teachers.  Writing these down allows you to relax during the conference.  Sometimes, parents get nervous being there and leave a conference thinking, "Ugh I forgot to ask this question" or they are thinking of a question to ask instead of listening to what the teacher is saying.  Yep-that happens.

If your child has any medical conditions, this is the time (if you haven’t already) to inform teachers, as well as any significant events happening at home that might affect the student’s school life.

Ask your child if there is a particular issue or question they would like for you to discuss with their teacher - It is highly recommended that children are not present at parent-teacher conferences so the staff can speak freely about the student’s progress and behavior, however I disagree with this personally.  My son went to Tesoro Elementary for 6th grade and he was also invited to the conference.  It was the best conference I had been to and the most productive.

Here are some topics that you could bring up during a parent-teacher meeting:

• Test results, when are the tests given and when can you expect to see the grades.
• How much homework does your child get and how long should it take for them to do it?
• Is there a daily planner for you to look at and sign?
• What is the best way for you to communicate with your teacher? Email? Binder reminders?
• Child’s behavior and attitude in school and at home (are they related).
• How can you help your child to succeed?
• What else can the teacher do for your child? 

You should not leave your parent teacher meeting feeling like you haven’t learned anything or made any progress.  I would also advise that you schedule your meeting earlier if possible.  I can’t help but feel that it’s harder for the teachers towards the end to get through the conferences.  I mean we are all human after all and with 25 to 30 conferences, sometimes they can’t help but get a little loopy.

When talking to your teachers, remember that they have a difficult job, so please be courteous, however, they also have a responsibility to you and your child, so don’t allow yourself to be intimidated.

Good luck!!