Teachers set aside time for parent-teacher conferences some time during the school year so they can talk with parents and try to work together to help the student succeed (NEA, 2002-2006). The National Education Association and the U.S. Department of Education advise parents to prepare for these conferences to make the most out of the time they have with teachers.

Before you go, make a list of things you want to discuss with the teacher such as how your child is doing at school--in his or her studies and in relationships with classmates. Help the teacher understand your child’s special talents, interests and hobbies, how she or he learns, and struggles with homework or any particular subject. During the conference, the teacher will talk about your child’s work and progress, and may have grades, test results, or other information to show you.

Be sure to ask the teacher for suggestions on how to help your child at home. It’s important for you to schedule a conference if problems arise. Your child’s grades might have dropped suddenly, or she or he may be upset about something that happened in school—. You can also let the teacher know if something changes at home that may affect the student’s learning, such as a new baby, parental illness, or divorce.

Keep in mind that the purpose of any parent-teacher conference is to help your child in school. And, as a parent, you are an important part in the partnership, working together with the teacher and your child, to help your child succeed.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM.

Written by: Suzanna Smith

Listen to the podcast: Parent-teacher Conferences

References

National Education Association (NEA) (2002-2006). How to make parent-teacher conferences work for your child. Retrieved August 7, 2006 from http://www.nea.org/parents/ptconf.html.

PBS Parents. (2002-2006). The parent-teacher partnership: Talking with teachers. PBS Parents Guide to Going to School. Retrieved August 4, 2006 from http://www.pbs.org/parents/goingtoschool/talking_teachers.html

U.S. Department of Education. (2003). Working with teachers and schools -- helping your child succeed in school. Retrieved August 7, 2006 from http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/succeed/part8.html.