During the academic year, most schools in the U.S. invite parents to come in for regular parent-teacher conferences. If you have received a note advising you that your child's teacher wants to schedule a meeting with you, don't panic. This is a standard part of the school's efforts to build a strong partnership between parents and teachers. Whether your child is having a positive or negative experience in school, parent-teacher conferences will help you and your child's teacher find ways to work together to ensure your child's success. Show
Knowing that you have to go to your child's school may make you feel nervous, intimidated, or frustrated as you consider the language and cultural differences that you face here in the U.S. You may wonder what to expect, and what is expected of you. That's why Colorín Colorado is here to help! In this article you will find:
This information can be applied to students in elementary, middle, and high schools. Your child's school may also provide information about parent-teacher conferences in your language. Frequently asked questionsWhat is a parent-teacher conference? You can also request a conference with your child's teacher if you have questions or concerns about your child by contacting the teacher to set up a meeting. How will I know
when to go to the conference? What if I don't speak English? Why does my child's teacher want to meet with me? It is also helpful for teachers to know if a child is experiencing a difficult situation outside of school, such as a divorce, the death of a relative, a medical problem, or anything else that may affect the child's mood or behavior. Knowing of such changes will help the teacher provide the child with the necessary support in the classroom. What information will my child's teacher give
me? Why is it important
to go to a parent-teacher conference? The conference is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about your child's progress, to learn more about the class and what the students are studying, and to find out if you child is having difficulty with anything in particular. In addition, the more you know about your children's school and classes, the more likely they will be to talk about daily experiences with you. They will appreciate your concern and involvement, and they will be more likely to approach you when they have problems. Before the conferenceThe conference with your child's teacher will be more efficient and productive if you do some preparation beforehand. To prepare for the conference: Talk with your child Prepare a list of notes Prepare a list of questions The following questions are examples that will help you learn more about your child's progress in school:
If your child receives special services (gifted programs, special education, English classes, speech or occupational therapy, or support for a learning disability), ask about the frequency of these services and about your child's progress with them. During the conferenceBe on time Be
yourself Stay calm Ask for explanations of anything you don't understand Ask the most important questions early in the conference Respectfully discuss differences of opinion Create an action
plan Thank the teacher for meeting with you After the conferenceTalk with your child Start working on the action plan Keep in touch with the teacher References"Making Parent-Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child." The National PTA, National Education Association of the United States, Stock No. 5174-2. Copyright © 1987. http://www.nea.org/parents/ptconf.html "Making Parent-Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child." © 2000-2007 PTA, salvo establecido por el contrario. http://www.pta.org/archive_article_details_1118085766734.html "Qué es La Conferencia Padres-Maestros." © 2006 Lake County Schools. Todos los derechos reservados. http://www.lake.k12.fl.us/LCSPortal/ForParents/Informaci%C3%B3nParaLosPadres/Qu%C3%A9EsLaConferenciaPadresMaestros/tabid/206/Default.aspx "Familias aprenden más sobre el rendimiento de sus estudiantes en las conferencias de maestros y padres." Bellevue School District. http://www.bsd405.org/default.aspx?tabID=1426 ReprintsYou are welcome to print copies or republish materials for non-commercial use as long as credit is given to Colorín Colorado and the author(s). For commercial use, please contact [email protected]. What is the most effective way to conduct a parent meeting?Here are eight tips to help you conduct masterful, action-oriented parent-teacher meetings.. Be Proactive. ... . Be Welcoming. ... . Explain Objectives and Expectations. ... . Be Prepared. ... . Create an Action Plan. ... . Use the Good-Bad-Good Sandwich. ... . Don't Tolerate Abuse. ... . Keep Lines of Communication Open.. How do you prepare when conducting a parent teacher conference?Before the Conference. Get informed. ... . Prepare your materials. ... . Send informative invitations. ... . Create a welcoming environment. ... . Open with positives. ... . Discuss progress and growth. ... . Avoid teacher-talk. ... . Ask questions and listen.. What should teachers do to effectively deal with unplanned parent conferences quizlet?What should teachers do to effectively deal with unplanned parent conferences? Listen to the parents until they are finished talking. What does it mean to listen effectively? Listening for the real content and feelings in a person's message and restating the message to assure you understand.
What are two things that contribute to a successful parent teacher conference?15 Tips for Leading Productive Parent-Teacher Conferences. Offer a flexible conference schedule. ... . Prepare, prepare, prepare. ... . Arrange for a translator if needed, and find a way to connect. ... . Be aware of your body language. ... . Sit side-by-side. ... . Share real stories and student work. ... . Include the positive. ... . Create clear goals.. |