Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are a terrific opportunity for you to communicate with teachers about your child’s progress. Typically, a parent-teacher conference will take 30-45 minutes. During this time, the teacher will show samples of your child’s work so that you will have a better understanding of your child’s specific strengths and areas of need.

Before the conference

  • academic strength
  • reading interests
  • any new medical or health needs
  • changes at home that mayaffect school work

  • Look over your child’s report card so you will be familiar with it.
  • Jot down questions and concerns you have about the teaching program.
  • Jot down any information about your child that might be helpful to the teacher.
  • Talk to your child to find out about his or her perceived areas of strength and challenge.
  • Ask your child if there are any specific questions he or she would like you to ask the teacher.
  • Jot down any information the teacher about any new medical or health need and changes at home that may affect school work.

During the conference

  • If you are unfamiliar with the report card, ask for a short explanation of how it works.
  • Ask the teacher to share examples of your child’s work.
  • Ask the teacher to explain and give examples of “proficient” student work so you will know what the grade-level expectations are.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if the teacher uses terms you don’t understand:
    • What do you mean when you say…?
    • What does that term mean?
    • How did you determine …?
  • Ask how the teacher plans to support your child’s progress.
  • Ask the teacher for specific suggestions about how you can support your child’s progress at
    home.

After the conference

  • Discuss the report card marks with your child. Focus first on your child’s strengths and then highlight 1-2 areas for growth.
  • Discuss the plan you have formed with the teacher to support learning at home.
  • The conference should not be the only conversation you have with the teacher about your child’s progress.
  • Stay in touch with the teacher throughout the school year.

Remember, a strong parent-teacher partnership will benefit your child!