Use these tips to get the most from your parent-teacher conferences.
Before the Conference:
- Talk with your child. Look over your student's 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. You'll also better understand student-teacher relationships.
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” or goals to set 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.