Section 3: Parent Conference Tips
You are a professional–do not allow a parent to treat or tell
you otherwise. — Jeff Johnson
Conferences provide an opportunity for listening and for sharing
information. This is an excellent time to build rapport with parents.
- Invite both parents. But, be sure to find out first if a
student comes from a singleparent home and if both parents should
be invited; or if the appropriate guardian is someone other than a
parent.
- Prepare in advance to answer specific questions parents may
have about their child’s ability, skill levels, and achievements.
- Get organized before the conference. Assemble your grade
book, test scores, or conference folder with student work samples
and attendance records. Greet parents at the door. Also, you’ll help parents
feel welcome and relieve their anxiety if you greet them by name.
Check records in advance to make sure you have parents’ (or
step parents’ or guardians’) names correct. Also, check
with your mentor for their ideas on what makes a productive conference.
- Open on a positive note. Begin conferences on a warm, positive
note to relax everyone. Start with a positive statement about the
child’s abilities, schoolwork or interests. Show some of the
child’s work, and familiarize parents with class expectations.
- Allow enough time in the conference. If you are scheduling
back-to-back conferences, give yourself a short breather in between,
if possible.
- Encourage students to attend the conference. Have the student
lead the conference and share his or her accomplishments.
- Establish priorities. Pick one or two areas for growth and
improvement so parents are not overwhelmed. Summarize what you have
discussed. Be clear if there are concrete steps for follow-up. Keep
brief notes about the conference and follow through on the actions.
- Resolve differences. Focus on problem solving. It will make
it easier for everyone to discuss problems, resolve differences, agree
on a mutually acceptable plan of action, and have a more pleasant
time while doing so.
- If a parent becomes hostile or negative, offer the opportunity to reschedule
the conference and have a teacher, administrator, or counselor present.
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