1. Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences

2. Objectives 1. Review the purpose of parent/teacher conferences.
2. Identify and use effective communication strategies during parent/teacher conferences.
3. Develop strategies to prepare for parent/teacher conferences.
4. Discuss parent involvement strategies.

3. Parents have the right to…
review records,
take time off for school-related matters,
to talk with their child’s teacher.

4. Purpose of Parent-Teacher Conferences
What:
The conference is a meeting between you and your child’s teacher.
When:
Your child’s teacher will contact you to schedule a meeting time, or you can contact your child’s teacher to request a conference.
Why:
The conference provides an opportunity for you to communicate with your child’s teacher.

5. Getting Started What if I work during the day?
Let the teacher know about your work hours and discuss the possibility of meeting in the early morning or after school. In addition, you may ask your employer for time off to attend the conference.
What if I don’t speak English?
Before the conference, ask the teacher or school for an interpreter during the conference. You may bring a friend or relative to interpret. It is suggested that your child not serve as the interpreter.
What will we talk about?
Your child’s teacher will talk about grade level expectations and your child’s grades, classwork, homework, behavior, and interests.

6. Getting Started What will I learn? What will the teacher ask me?
You will learn about your child’s progress, areas in which he/she is doing well, and areas of concern.
What will the teacher ask me?
Teachers like to learn about students from their parents. No one knows your child better than you do. You can help the teacher by talking about:
What your child likes to do outside of school hours
Special medical or learning needs
Areas of strengths and areas of need

7. Before the Conference
Ask your child if there is anything that he/she would like you to discuss with the teacher.
Share with your child that you and the teacher are meeting to help him/her do his/her best in school.
Make a list of topics that you want to talk about with the teacher.
Prepare a list of questions such as:
What are my child’s strongest and areas needing improvement?
Does my child hand in homework on time?
Does my child participate in class?
Does my child seem happy at school?
Does my child get along with others?
What can I do at home to help?

8. Additional Questions to Ask
At what level is my child performing on assessments?
Who is my child’s counselor and when does he/she meet with my child? (Secondary schools)
What supports are given to struggling students -academically and socially?
What is the level of performance of our school?

9. On the Day of the Conference
Be on time.
End the conference on time. Other parents may have a conference scheduled after yours.
Relax and be yourself.
Ask the most important questions first.
If your child receives special support such as English learner services, IEP, 504, , ask about your child’s progress in those classes or services.

10. During the Conference
Ask for explanations of anything you don’t understand.
Ask your child’s teacher for ways that you can help your child at home.
Thank the teacher.

11. After the Conference Talk about the conference with your child.
Talk about the positive points and about areas needing improvement.
Tell your child about any plans you and the teacher discussed.
Keep in touch with the teacher throughout the school year.

12. Parent Involvement Begins at Home
Have regular homework or reading time.
Make sure your child has a regular bedtime that allows for plenty of rest.
Give your child age-appropriate chores.
Make sure your child has a nutritious breakfast every morning.

13. Parent Involvement Begins at Home
Create a study environment in your home
Do not allow TV or other devices to be on while your child is studying.
Create a study area that has paper, pencils, pens, erasers, dictionary, and other materials for your child to use to do schoolwork.
Check your child’s homework when it is finished.

14. Help Your Child Feel Good about Education
Help your child focus on his or her strengths
Let your child know that he or she is a valuable, capable person and that you know he or she can succeed.
Be a good role model for getting work done.

15. In Summary
If school is important to you, it will be important to your child.
Set high expectations for your child and support your child in meeting those expectations.
Be aware of your child’s social life, activities, and schoolwork.
You, your child, and the school will benefit from your continued support.

16. Thank you!