Parent Teacher Conferences

Conference time provides an opportunity for you to speak with your child’s teacher about how your child is doing in school, academically and socially. Your child’s teacher will have information to share with you, but if you have questions or concerns you want to discuss, make sure you let the teacher know at the beginning of the conference so you don’t run out of time.

Getting Ready for the Conference:

• Ask your child if he has anything he wants you to talk to the teacher about.

• Prepare your questions ahead of time. Write them down and bring them with you. It is easy to get distracted during the conference and forget an important question.

• Look over your child’s recent work, progress reports, and grades.

• Make sure you know the date and time of the conference and be on time. Conferences are usually scheduled back-to-back, so if you are late, you may lose part of your conference time. Allow time for parking if you drive!

Questions to Ask:

• What is my child’s strongest subject? Weakest? How is my child doing compared to the other students?

• How is my child doing socially? How does she get along with her classmates?

• Is my child turning in homework on time?

• Is there anything I can do at home that will support my child?

• If your child receives special services, ask how you can find out how she is doing in those areas

After the Conference:

• Let your child know how it went and if you made any plans with the teacher for improvement

• If you and the teacher discussed specific plans for helping your child, follow up in a few weeks to see if things are changing. If you are changing things at home (tutoring, limited screen time, earlier bedtime, etc.) make sure to let the teacher know what you’re doing and ask if he can let you know if he sees changes at school.

One final note: Conferences do not only have to occur during a specific window of time in October or November! If you have concerns about your child’s performance, at any time of the year, let your child’s teacher know that you would like to meet. Sometimes it does take longer than twenty minutes to conference about a child, especially if the child is struggling in any way. Do not feel guilty asking for more time! You are doing what you need to do for your child.