15 Ideas for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences

Communicating with parents is one of the most important things teachers do. When we work together with a student's parents, the atmosphere for student learning is improved, and when we have parents' support, we do a better job. Student achievement improves with increased parent interest and involvement.

Here are some tips for getting off on the right foot in parent conferences:

l. Invite both parents to conferences with you, but be sure to find out first what your student's living arrangement is. Families may take many forms -- two-parent, single-parent, guardians, foster care, sibling head-of-household... make no embarrassing or inappropriate assumptions! "Parents" on this page refers to a child's adult guardian(s).

2. Start communicating with parents early in the year with a letter, newsletter, or telephone call. Outline your curriculum and expectations and let parents know how they can reach you.

3. Allow plenty of time for the conference. If you're scheduling back-to-back conferences, give yourself a short breather in between.

4. Prepare in advance to answer specific questions parents have about their child's ability, skill levels, and achievements.

5. Get organized before the conference. Assemble your grade book, test scores, student work samples, and attendance records. Have a general, but flexible timeline in mind for the conference.

6. You'll help parents feel welcome and relieve their anxiety if you greet them at the door by name. Check records in advance so you have parents' (stepparents' or guardians') names correct.

7. Avoid physical barriers. Don't sit behind your desk or ask parents to perch on tiny chairs. Arrange conference seating so everyone is treated equally.

8. Begin the conference with a positive statement about the child's ability, work, or interests.

9. Be specific in your comments. Identify problems and concerns with examples. Suggest specific things parents can do at home to help and ways you will proceed at school.

10. Forget the jargon. Try not to use "educationese" because it sounds like doubletalk to most parents.

11. Ask for parents' opinions. Let parents know that you want to hear what they have to say. Hear them out, even if the comments are hostile or negative.

12. Focus on the student's strengths. It is easy for parents to be defensive. You will help if you review the child's strengths and needs without dwelling on weaknesses or being overly critical.

13. Use positive body language. Cues like your smile, a nod, eye contact, and posture let parents know you are interested.

14. Before the conference ends, summarize the discussion and the actions you and the parents have decided to take.

15. Keep a record of the conference. You may find it helpful later to have a brief record of the comments and plans made during the conference.

Source: http://www.vtnea.org/ti-1.htm