Preparing for the Parent-Teacher Conference

If a partnership is created between you and your child's teacher, the parent-teacher conference can be a valuable tool to help your child's learning and school experience.

Parent-teacher conferences give you the opportunity to:

• Get to know your child's teacher or teachers.
• Learn about the school and its curriculum.
• Discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses in various areas.
• Ask questions.
• Give teachers Information that will help them understand your child's needs.
• Work with your child's teacher and the school in planning your child's school year.

Things you can do to get ready for a conference:
Make a list of things that will help the teacher better understand your child.

• Any special medical or health problems.
• Important experiences that may be affecting your child; (death in the family, a best friend moving away, etc.) outside interests and hobbies.
• Feelings about school.
• Relationships with brothers and sisters.
• Study habits at home.

Make a list of things you want to find out from the teacher. For example, you may wish to know about:

• Services and programs the school offers.
• Discipline policies.
• Grading policies.
• Extra-curricular activities.
• Daily schedules.
• Homework policies.
• Health and safety programs.

Things you will learn from your child's teacher at the conference:

• Your child's test results and what they mean.
• What subjects your child is taking and how he or she is doing.
• Your child's strengths and weaknesses in school.
• Any observations that can be helpful.
• Your child's current level in reading and math, including some samples of the work he or she has done.
• The books and materials your child is using.
• How she/he gets along with others.
• How she/he feels about her/himself.
• Your child's behavior in and out of class.

Your child will undoubtedly be curious about the conference:

• Tell the child what was discussed (omitting any information he/she may not be mature enough to understand.
• Talk about any changes or new plans for improvement.
• Be positive. The better your child feels about himself/herself, the better he or she will do in school.