Use these tips to get the most from your parent-teacher conferences.

 

Before the conference:

  • Talk with your child. Look over homework and talk about how he or she is doing in each class.
  • Write down any questions you may want to ask the teacher. This makes your time together more productive.
  • Consider bringing older children to the meeting. They may take more responsibility if they have a say in any decisions made.

During the conference:

  • Come with a cooperative attitude. Remember that both of you want your child to succeed.
  • Bring pen and paper. Take notes of any solutions you discuss during the meeting.
  • Show up on time. Use this time to listen and ask questions.

After the conference:

  • Discuss the conference with the child, including any “action plan” that has been agreed upon with the teacher.
  • Act quickly on suggestions made by the teacher.
  • Plan a follow-up meeting with the teacher, or continue communicating with him or her through e-mail, notes or telephone calls.