Preparing For My Child’s Parent Teacher Conference Revised 3/13/2009

We will address the following: 1.Forms of evaluation: the report card and state testing results 2.Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) 3. Credits needed for high school graduation

The Report Card Children receive grades according to their achievement, work completion, and effort in the classroom. Report cards also provide information about your child’s work habits and attitudes.

Grade Level Expectations The GLEs outline what students should know and be able to do in the areas of reading, writing, and math at each grade level from kindergarten through 10 th grade. Your child’s teacher will use the GLEs to discuss your child’s achievement and progress.

Test Results The teacher can use state and grade level test results to provide more information about your child’s learning. –State tests (the SBAs) are taken each spring in grades 3 through 10. –The high school graduation exam (HSGQE) is offered in grade 10, with the opportunity to retake it in 11th and 12th if needed.

Important Questions to Ask Teachers Does my child understand the information presented in your class? –If not, is he or she getting extra help? How is my child’s behavior and attitude in class? –Does my child seem happy in school? –Does he or she participate and complete assignments? What can I do at home to support my child’s success?

Elementary Conferences Prior to conference week, you will be notified of your scheduled conference time. Be on time – the conference schedule limits each parent conference, usually to 20 minutes.

Middle School Conferences – Your continued parent involvement is critical! You will be visiting several teachers on the day of Parent Teacher Conferences. You may find that your child’s performance – grades and behavior – varies from class to class. School work is more challenging in middle school.

High School Conferences This is a time of big changes for your child. He or she will benefit from your continued involvement and help in making important decisions.

Parents can help keep their high school student on track by understanding the following: –The basics about credit requirements –The HSGQE exam –Preparing for college

Graduation Requirements Credits + HSGQE = High School Diploma 1.Complete 22.5 credits = about 6 credits per year. 2.Pass the reading, writing, and math portions of the HSGQE (High School Graduation Qualifying Exam)

State Credit Requirements for Graduation (1 credit = 1 full school year) 4 credits language arts 3 credits science 4 credits social studies 1.5 credits PE/Health 2.5 credits math 7.5 credits electives 22.5 credits total = approx. 6 per year

The High School Graduation Qualifying Exam (HSGQE) Students take the HSGQE for the first time in the spring of the 10 th grade. The test is offered twice a year in the 11th and 12th grades for students who have not passed one or more portions of the HSGQE.

Questions to Ask the High School Counselor Is my child on track to graduate on time? If not, what can she or he do to catch up? If your child is college bound, is she or he taking college prep classes such as honors classes and/or AP classes? What extracurricular activities are available? (Clubs, music, sports, community service, etc.)

What Parents Can Do To Solve Problems At School If you become aware of a problem, talk with the teacher, counselor, nurse, or principal and work with the school to find a solution. Attend school activities whenever possible.

Parent involvement at home Read to your child or have your child read every day. Talk with your child about your expectations for school and his or her future, not only related to grades but also attitude and behavior. Set aside a time every day for homework. Have your child “teach” you about what he or she is learning.

Helping Your Child Be Safe Encourage your middle or high school child to participate in positive activities at school such as clubs, sports, music, community service, etc. Talk with your child about your expectations for behavior, safe places to “hang out” with friends, etc. Get to know your child’s friends – invite them to your home.

Parents have a powerful influence on their children’s future happiness and success. 30 years of research has consistently linked family involvement to: –higher student achievement –better attitudes toward school –lower dropout rates

We hope you have very pleasant and informative conferences!

Questions and Evaluation

ANCHORAGE Alaska Parent Information and Resource Center Julie Jessal, Project Coordinator 805 W. 3 rd Avenue Anchorage, Alaska JUNEAU Alaska Parent Information and Resource Center Julie Staley, Project Director 210 Ferry Way Juneau, Alaska