Parent Teacher Conferences

It is about that time, parents are anxious to know how their children are doing in school and teachers are beginning to have a good understanding about the skills of the children. If teachers are to create partnership with parents, it is important to put yourself in the parent's place. Parents want to hear the good news and need to hear the bad. If parents are to develop good relationships with teachers, they need to listen with an open mind and be willing to share what they know about their child.

Here are a few hints to make conferences more successful.

• Talk about the child's strengths. No one wants to be bombarded with negatives. Plus it gives a more complete picture of the child.
• Don't get into the blame game. Start from the here and now.
• Teachers need to be prepared. Observe the child, document what you see, gather work samples, and prepare paperwork beforehand. Share specific examples of what you have seen, not general comments about how the child never listens. Take time to think of resources and solutions to offer, if there is a problem you need to discuss.
• Parents, take a few minutes before the conference to observe your child, consider goals you have for your child. Talk to your child to see if he or she wants you to talk to the teacher about something. Make a list of questions.
• Allow enough time to have a full conversation about the child.
• Listen to each other. Make sure both parties have time to talk.
• Ask questions to clarify, especially when you don't agree.
• If you find what is being discussed, upsetting, take a break and ask if you can come back, in a few days, to talk again, once you have had time to consider what has been said.
• Set goals for the child, so you both are working toward the same end.
• Come up with a plan both teachers and parents can agree to use. If one person can't do it or doesn't like it, admit that up front.
• If you disagree about a behavior being a problem, remember it must be a problem for the person to bring it up. It might not be a problem for you, in your situation, but it is in the other situation. Find out why the behavior is a problem.
• Set a time for follow up, if needed.
• End on a positive note.