Parent-Teacher Conference Guidelines for Parents
Teachers Meet With Parents to Address Concerns and Help Students
Sep 29, 2009
Parent-teacher conferences establish communication between parents and the classroom teacher. Some schools require mandatory parent-teacher meetings after the new school year begins and again around the middle of the year to discuss the child's progress. Additionally, when a teacher has a concern about a student or there is a problem that needs to be addressed right away, the parents are contacted for a parent-teacher conference.
Why Parents Attend a Parent-Teacher Conference
Students are sometimes permitted to attend parent-teacher conferences, but most teachers still prefer the traditional method of speaking to one or both parents in private. Meeting with a teacher is no indication that a child is in any kind of trouble. A phone call may suffice in some cases, but communication in person may provide a clearer understanding of the situation.
A teacher wants to communicate with parents as soon as possible if the child is having a problem understanding discussions or does not complete class work. Parents need to be alerted when a child repeatedly fails to turn in homework assignments or presents a behavior concern at school.
Guidelines for Parents Meeting with a Teacher
The teacher may request a parent-teacher conference at any time when a problem or concern arises with a student. Parents can help the meeting at school go smoothly by following a few guidelines:
- Prepare for the meeting by jotting down questions and concerns ahead of time.
- Dress appropriately for the meeting. Wear the type of clothing suitable for a job interview or business meeting.
- Be on time. Arriving a few minutes early shows genuine interest in what's going on with the child.
- Turn off the cell phone to avoid distraction during the meeting.
- Relax and try to avoid crossing arms and legs or exhibiting body language that indicates a closed mind to what's being said or suggested.
- Show pride when the teacher points out what the child has accomplished in class.
- Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say concerning a problem. Answer questions truthfully, not defensively.
- Take notes on specific incidents and details. For example, if the teacher has noted the child is falling behind because he reverses words when reading or can't recognize numbers in proper sequence, then a visit to the pediatrician may be in order for further testing.
- Get copies of any school test results in case the information is needed later.
- Discuss measures that may help resolve any issue of concern. If homework isn't getting completed, for example, then ask the teacher for tips that may help at home, or go online to find out how parents can help kids manage homework.
- Thank the teacher for being so attentive.
- Follow up and let the teacher know what is being done to correct the problem or situation.
A routine conference at the beginning of the school year is an introduction and an invitation for parents to learn what is expected of the student in the classroom. Individual parent-teacher conferences address problems or concerns with the child and possible resolutions.
Treat the conference as a business meeting. Respond in a dignified manner without becoming defensive; remember the teacher is trying to help. Maintain positive communication and be receptive to what is being said for the sake of the child. Follow the guidelines concerning the meeting to ensure the parent-teacher conference is a success for the parents, the teacher, and the student.
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