Parent Conferences Aiken County Public Schools Department of Human Resources

Establishing a good relationship with the parents of your students is integral to a smooth and successful year Purpose

Types of parent conference School initiated open house Scheduled parent conference day Teacher initiated to address concerns Parent initiated

Promoting Positive Parental Relationships Contact parents early before a problem occurs Call your parents (a few each night) and tell them something positive about their child Send home good news intermittently Address parents’ concerns head-on. Keep parents informed

Pre-Conference Collaborate with mentor Create an agenda Prepare materials –Grades –Student work Be organized Invite your department/grade chair or an administrator if concerned about an individual conference

Be Mindful Always keep a professional demeanor during the conference Keep in mind everyone is working for the benefit of the student Keep professional jargon and acronyms to a minimum

Conference Warmly greet the parent(s) and maintain eye contact when speaking to the parent Explain the purpose of the conference Begin the conference discussing the student’s strengths

Conference Update parents on any concerns that exist in regards to academic progress Gather parent insight into the student’s academic and social functioning Outline any student issues and what might be possible causes

Conference Discuss strategies and develop a plan for addressing the student’s issues at home and school Schedule a follow up conference End the conference on a positive note

Three important factors to remember with parents 1. COMMUNICATION 2. COMMUNICATION 3. COMMUNICATION