Below are some useful pointers for parents attending parent-teacher conferences courtesy of educator and writer, Susan Schaefer.
- Be punctual — Teachers are on a tight schedule so if you are late you might get bumped to stand-by.
- Come with a list of questions — Avoid wasting time by jotting down your most important concerns before the conference. If you have a question that requires a lengthy response, schedule a follow-up time to speak with the teacher.
- Focus on academics — The primary focus of school is academics so ask questions about how your child is doing and how you may help your child improve if necessary.
- Be open-minded — The teacher may have some observations you do not see at home. Our kids bring out our most basic emotions, but try to opt out of defensive mode and listen to what the teacher has to say.
- Ask for clarification — If the teacher says your child is “chatty” or “plays roughly” ask specifically what that means or ask for examples when he or she displayed that behavior.
- Don’t complain about other kids — However, suggesting she not sit your child with another child is fine. If there have been specific incidents you feel the teacher should know about, go ahead and share. The teacher will listen and handle it, she just can’t comment on other kids.
- Treat the teacher with respect — It’s sad that I even need to say that. Teachers are professionals with the education and experience necessary to competently teach your child. You would not appreciate other people that are not in your profession telling you how to do your job and either do they.
- Do not stay past allotted time — Understand that the teacher is not trying to rush you but there is only so much time and others are probably peering in the door for any sign you are about to wrap it up.
I agree with all of them except for the one about keeping the focus on the academic. I believe that parents should be able to focus on any matter or topic that concerns or interests them. I also believe that the social welfare of a child is every bit as important as their academic progress.
Tags: Academics, Education, Meetings, Parenting, Paret-Teacher Conferences, Punctuality, Respect, Susan Schaefer
Topical Teaching 
November 7, 2011 at 9:00 pm |
Do u have a list of “recommended” questions?
Questions that were posed to you, that you thought were good questions.
Sometimes I find that I am very keen to know my son’s progress but am stumped when it is PTC time. I just want to know how is his progress and what should we do to facilitate teachers! 🙂
November 14, 2011 at 11:40 am |
First, thanks so much for posting, Michael G. I am big fan of your site and am honored to be included.
nerdy mum, the questions you bring to conference should be specific to your child. So, what are you most concerned about? Reading comprehension? making positive social connections? understanding math concepts?
I believe the parents that get the most out of conferences are the ones that ask what they can do to support their child at home. for example:
Your child is a struggling reader, ask for comprehension strategies.
Your child child has trouble making friends, ask if there is a particular child in the class that may be receptive to a play date.
Also, ask if your child is meeting academic goals set by the (it would be the school district here, not sure what it is there.)
if not, is there support the school can give your child to become more successful?
If your child is a high achiever, is there an enrichment program?
I hope this helps!
Susan Schaefer
November 16, 2011 at 7:58 am |
Thanks for the comment Sue/ Your advice is excellent!