At any given stage of your child’s educational development, school conferences are important! Make it a point, regardless of the type of parent you usually are to make an appointment as soon as possible – and then keep it!
In the earlier years, your child’s work will be displayed on his desk for you to look through. You are able to get a feel of his perspective in the room. (Whom does he sit next too; can he read the board from where the seat is? Does he need to be moved to the front of the room so he is not so easily distracted?) In addition, you are able to briefly meet with the teacher and get to know her.
There is Parent – Teacher etiquette though! Education contributor, Amy Horn has published a list of expectations for teachers at http://middleschool.suite101.com. Guidelines for parents follow roughly the same idea and are fleshed out below:
Remember, you do not have to wait until parent-teacher conferences in the late fall to speak with your child’s teacher! If you have a concern sooner, or have an issue that should be brought to the teacher prior to the conference, by all means, call the school and make arrangements to see the teacher at a mutually agreeable time before or after school.
Conference Tips for Parents:
- Plan Ahead:
Teachers will give parents ample advanced notice, enabling them to choose a time for a conference. Take the time to choose an available date and time early, so your teacher knows who will be in attendance. If none of the times or dates suit your schedule, call the school and make alternative arrangements. Once you have made the appointment, mark it on your calendar and make sure you arrive on time!
- Stick to the Schedule:Time slots for parent-teacher conferences are not long. They can range from 5 minutes to 15 minutes. Do not over-stay your scheduled time! If the discussion is going to take longer than the allotted time, make arrangements to meet again. It is difficult for the teacher to prepare for and hold 30 or so conferences in such a small amount of time. Be courteous of both parents and educators!
- Decide What to Discuss: The teacher could possibly have a few items of concern she would like to discuss with you. Listen open mindedly and then if needed; ask for her opinion regarding resolution of the problem(s). Feel free to come in with your own concerns as well. This is a time to establish strong communication for use throughout the year. Your child can only benefit, knowing parents and teachers are working together on his behalf.
- Meet As A Team: Parents should attend conferences together whenever possible. Whatever the news you receive during the conference,, approach it in a professional manner, not taking offense. Your teacher’s deepest desire is to see your son or daughter excel. A positive experience is assured for both parties if communication is done in a respectful, professional manner.If you feel you have not been treated with respect, or your child’s needs are not being met in the classroom, contact the principal for further evaluation of the situation and a resolution.
- Open Houses: An Open House is not a Conference! In the elementary years, your child’s school will most likely hold an open house. This is a way of letting parents see and get a feel for where their child is for 8 hours of everyday. The teachers will be present in the room to answer any general questions. This is not the time to discuss little Billy’s problem with his seatmate, or problems memorizing the multiplication tables, as tempting as it is. If you would like an appointment with the teacher, you may spend a few brief moments making that appointment. DO ask questions regarding curriculum, what you see on the walls and general questions regarding the daily routine that might be of interest to other parents attending.
For more Suite resources on Parent - Teacher Conferences, check out the links below!
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Simple Steps to Help Make Conferences
Homeschooling: Special Needs - Catching Up and Moving On - free
