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From the Desk of Bill Cirone
From the Desk of Bill Cirone...


September 17, 1999

Preparing For An Effective Parent-Teacher Conference


Parent-teacher conferences can be a very helpful means of communication between the school and the family. To maximize their effectiveness, parents should consider taking some preliminary steps in advance.

First, it's a good idea to take time before the conference to think about the child's strengths, weaknesses, study habits, classmates and homework. Review the file of school work completed to date and talk to the child about feelings toward school.

Ask your child:

  • What do you like about the classroom?
  • What would you like to change?
  • Do you understand the work?
  • Do you feel you're doing well?
  • What makes you think so?

It's also good to pose some questions about homework:

  • Do you always hand it in?
  • Do you get it back?
  • Does your teacher help you understand what you were doing wrong?
  • Do you correct the mistakes?

There are also several questions a parent should ask the teacher during the conference:

  • What are my child's best and weakest subjects?
  • How can I help him improve or do better?
  • Is my child working up to his ability?
  • If not, why do you think so and how can I help?
  • Is my child's schoolwork progressing as it should?
  • If not, how can I help her catch up?
  • If my child is ahead of other students, what will serve as a challenge or encouragement?
  • How does my child get along with other classmates?
  • Does he participate in group activities?
  • Is he unusually shy or aggressive?
  • How does my child get along with you and other teachers?
  • Are there any special behavior or learning problems I need to know about?
  • Does she participate in class discussions and talk about interests and activities?
  • What kinds of tests will be given this year? When?
  • What are the tests supposed to tell?
  • Is my child's homework turned in on time, in completed form, and does it meet your expectations?
  • How much time should be spent on homework each night?

If the conference has been called to resolve problems that have been occurring you might want to ask some further questions:

  • Has my child any unexplained absences or tardiness?
  • Have you noticed any recent changes in my child's behavior or schoolwork?
  • Do you see any signs of possible emotional or physical problems?
  • What do you think is the problem?
  • How would you recommend resolving it?
  • This is what I would like to see change.
  • What would you like to have happen?
  • How do you think we can work together to make this change take place?
  • What kind of action plan can we agree to for this to happen?

It's important to keep in mind that teachers and parents share the same goal: both want the child to succeed and learn. Together, they can become a powerful force for positive change in the life of a child.

© Santa Barbara County Education Office


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