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Making the Most of a Parent-Teacher Conference

Have you ever left a parent/teacher conference wanting to know more? Do you feel removed from your child's educational experiences? Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon feeling. Although parent/teacher conferences an are excellent opportunity to learn about your child's abilities, the teacher, and the course, parents often don't get what they need from these conferences.

How can parents improve the outcome? The first step is to attend. If there is a conflict with your schedule, ask for an alternate time. (If you child's school doesn't schedule regular individual meetings, arrange for one.) Your participation allows you to keep in touch with your child's educational career, and if problems occur, it will be easier to become actively involved. Being involved enhances your relationship with your child and allows you to assist with setting standards and working toward goals.

The following are suggestions for a successful conference.

  • Let your child know in advance that you are going.
  • Ask your child about his or her concerns (i.e., "having a hard time with home work", "don't like the teacher", "love the class", "want to sit at another desk"). Ask additional questions if you're not sure you understand what your child means.
  • Establish specific objectives for the conference. What do you want to know? (i.e., what is the quality of my child's homework and how does he or she behave in the classroom?) It is helpful to review the textbook and assignments beforehand.
  • Ask questions about the course and the assignments your child will be involved in during the quarter. Are there field trips or projects?
  • Write your questions down in advance and write the answers out during the conference. If you are visiting with several teachers, it can be challenging to keep all the information straight!
  • Listen to the teacher's comments. Ask for explanations and if something doesn't make sense, request examples. If English in not your primary language, bring someone along who can translate for you.
  • Ask the teacher for suggestions on how you can enhance your child's learning.
  • Treat the teacher as you would any professional. Try not to tell them how to do their job. If you suspect problems on the part of the teacher, speak with the department chairperson or another administrator. Remember, your child has an ongoing relationship with this teacher.
  • Teachers are not trained to play the role of a family counselor. If you suspect that difficulties at home may be the root of your child's school problems, seek appropriate counseling. Your school may have in-house counseling resources available. It is helpful to apprise the teacher of issues at home, such as divorce, that may affect your child's learning or classroom behavior. Ask the teacher for feedback about classroom behavior.
  • Discuss the conference with your child and develop a plan together to help with any needed improvements. Acknowledge your child's efforts.
  • If you are displeased with the conference, avoid making disparaging or belittling comments about the teacher or school to your child. Doing so would only switch the focus from constructive problem solving to useless blaming.
  • Schedule a follow-up visit with the teacher. Teachers want more parent involvement. Their goal is to help your child learn. Approach your role in this effort as a partner with the teacher.

Additional Resources

The Home and School Institute, Inc. (202) 466-3633
A nonprofit organization helping families build children's achievement in school and beyond. The Institute offers low priced parent handbooks in Spanish/English and English only. In addition, they can refer you to Mega-Skills classes in your part of the country.

Dial 1-800 For Education
1-800-NETWORK ENGLISH
1-800-LE AYUDA SPANISH
(Call 202-408-0447 in D.C. )
The National Committee for Citizens in Education has set up a toll free line to answer questions and provide information on public school topics (such as communicating with teachers, handling school suspension, retention in grade and preventing school dropout.) Brochures in English and Spanish are also available.

Parent/Teacher Association (PTA)
Call your local school district to request a contact name and phone number.

Written by: Michele Ginnerty, M.A. and Daniel Carroll, Science Teacher,
Arlington, VA

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