Make the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. You and your child’s school have something in common: You both want your child to learn and do well. When parents and teachers talk to each other, each person can share important information about your child’s talents and needs. Each person can also learn something new about how to help your child. This tip sheet suggests ways that you can make the most of parent-teacher conferences so that everyone wins, especially your childBefore the Conference – Check list

• Schedule a time to meet. If you can’t go at the scheduled time, ask the teacher about other times.
• Review your child’s work, grades, and progress reports.
• Talk with your child about his or her progress in school.
• Talk with others—family members, after school staff, mentors, etc.—about your child’s strengths and needs.
• Make a list of questions to ask during the conference.
• Think about ways you would like to be involved in your child’s learning so that you can discuss them with the teacher.

During the Conference – What should you talk about?

• Progress. Find out how your child is doing by asking questions like: Is my child performing at grade level? How is he or she doing compared to the rest of the class? What do you see as his or her strengths? How could he or she improve?
• Assignments and assessments. Ask to see examples of your child’s work. Ask the teacher to explain how he or she gives grades.
• Your thoughts about your child. Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings about your child. Tell the teacher what you think your child is good at. Explain what he or she needs more help with. This is also a time for the teacher to learn about what your child is like at home. When you tell the teacher about your child’s skills, interests, needs, and dreams, the teacher can help your child more.
• Supporting learning at home. Ask what else you can do at home to help your child learn, and share what you are doing already. Ask if the teacher knows of other programs or services in the community that could also help your child.
• Supporting learning at school. Find out what services are available at the school to help your child. Ask how the teacher will both challenge your child and support your child when he or she needs it.

After the Conference – How should you follow up?

• Make a plan. Write down the things that you and the teacher will each do to support your child. You can do this during the conference or after. Write down what you will do, when, and how often. Make plans to check in with the teacher in the coming months.
• Schedule another time to talk. Communication should go both ways. Ask how you can contact the teacher. And don’t forget to ask how the teacher will contact you too. There are many ways to communicate—in person, by phone, notes, email. Make a plan that works for both of you. Be sure to schedule at least one more time to talk in the next few months.
• Talk to your child. The parent–teacher conference is all about your child, so don’t forget to include him or her. Share with your child what you learned. Show him or her how you will help with learning at home. Ask for his or her suggestions.

Parent–teacher conferences are a great way to start talking to your child’s teachers, but they shouldn’t be the only time that you are engaged in your child’s school experience. Look for other ways to be involved with the school, which will show your child that you are dedicated to their education, just as you expect them to be. Neither teachers nor parents can do the job of raising and teaching successful children on their own, so creating a trusting relationship between the two is the best way to support your child’s learning as fully as possible.The information in this article was originally published by the Harvard Family Research Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and adapted by LaneKids.