Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

With the Thanksgiving holiday break just around the corner, we cannot overlook the valuable opportunities for dialogue that next week's parent-teacher conferences provide.  There is a significant body of research that shows a strong partnership between parents and teachers has a positive impact on children.  Among other benefits, students whose parents are involved in their education are more likely to attend school on a regular basis, earn higher grades, have better social skills, show improved behavior, and are more likely to graduate and go onto higher education.  According to the book Partnering with Parents to Ask the Right Questions by Agnes Bain, Dan Rothstein, and Luz Santana (2016), strong parent-teacher partnerships emerge when parents effectively support their child's education at home, monitor their child's progress, and advocate for the child when necessary.  Parent-teacher conferences provide the perfect opportunity to strengthen this partnership as both parties come together to reflect on the child's progress thus far and establish a plan which will maximize opportunities for student success.

It is important to remember going into parent teacher conferences that both teachers and parents are on the same team; everyone wants what is best for the child.  While the teachers are always prepared to debrief parents on their child's performance, it is important for parents to actively engage in the conversation as well.  One of the best ways for parents to do this is through asking probing questions.  By asking questions, parents are able to gain better insight into their child's thoughts, habits, and social and academic skills.

Here is a sampling of good questions to ask at a parent-teacher conference:

• How would you describe my child's work habits?
• What are my child's biggest areas of strength?  Target areas for improvement?
• How can I support my child's learning at home?
• Does my child listen well?
• How would you describe my child's interactions with his/her peers?
• Does my child persevere through difficult tasks?
• Does my child ask thoughtful questions?
• Does my child advocate for him/herself when clarification or help is needed?
• How can I encourage my child to take ownership of his/her learning?

The goal is to walk away from a parent-teacher conference with a plan for the future, with an understanding of how both parents and teachers can support the child in his/her learning and improvement.

Finally, please remember if you are unable to attend parent-teacher conferences, there are many other opportunities to have a similar dialogue with your child's teacher.  Please do not hesitate to reach out via email, telephone, or Schoology message to initiate conversations with your child's teacher.  The dialogue is never restricted to parent-teacher conference time.

"Together we may give our children the roots to grow and the wings to fly."