Flags: There may be images/galleries that failed to load,
Getting Started
What
The conference is a meeting between you and your child's teacher.
When
Your child's teacher will contact you to set up a meeting time.
Why
The conference gives you a chance to talk with your child's teacher.
Questions
What if I work during the day?
Let the teacher know you can only go to conferences at night.
What if I don't speak English?
You have the right to request that an interpreter attend the conference. You can also bring a friend or relative to interpret. It is important that your child does not translate for you.
What will we talk about?
Your child's teacher will probably talk about your child's grades, classwork, homework, and behavior.
What will I learn?
You will learn more about your child's classes, and find out if your child is having any problems.
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
Events that may affect your child (such as a new baby, divorce or death)
Special medical or learning needs
Things to Remember
If you are invited to a conference, it doesn't mean your child is in trouble! Teachers try to meet with all parents.
You and the teacher both want the very best for your child. You can help your child by working together as a team.
Parent-Teacher Conference Checklists
Before the conference
Ask your child how she feels about school.
Ask your child if there is anything that he wants you to talk about with his teacher.
Tell your child that you and the teacher are meeting to help her.
Make a list of topics that you want to talk about with the teacher.
Prepare a list of questions such as:
1. What are my child's strongest and weakest subjects?
2. Does my child hand homework in on time?
3. Does my child participate in class?
4. Does my child seem happy at school?
5. What can I do at home to help?
During the conference
Be on time (or early) for the meeting.
End the meeting on time. Other parents will probably have a conference after yours.
Relax and be yourself.
Stay calm during the conference.
Ask the most important questions first.
If your child receives special services such as English classes, ask about your child's progress in those classes.
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.
After the conference
Talk about the conference with your child.
Talk about the positive points, and be direct about problems.
Tell your child about any plans you and the teacher created.
Keep in touch with the teacher during the school year.
