Family Conferences: Some Tips for Parents

​As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher. We have something in common: we both want your child to learn and do well. When we talk with one another, we can share important information about your child's talents and needs. Family conferences are a great way to start talking to your child's teachers. What should you expect? A two way conservation. Like all good conversations, parent-teacher conferences are best when both people talk and listen. Ask to see information about your child's attendance, grades, and test scores. Find out whether your child is meeting school expectations and academic standards Emphasis on learning. Good family conferences focus on how well the child is doing in school. They also talk about how the child can do even better. Be sure to bring a list of questions that you would like to ask the teacher Opportunities and challenges. Just like you, teachers want your child to succeed. You will probably hear positive feedback about your child's progress and areas for improvement. Be prepared by thinking about your child's strengths and challenges beforehand. Be ready to ask questions about ways you and the teacher can help your child with some of his/her challenges. ​Progress. Find out how your child is doing by asking questions like: Is my child performing at grade level? How is he or she doing compared to the rest of the class? What do you see as his or her strengths? How could he or she improve? Assignments and assessments. Ask to see examples of your child’s work. Ask how the teacher gives grades. Support learning at home. Ask what you can do at home to help your child learn. Ask if the teacher knows of other programs or services in the community that could also help your child. Support learning at school. Find out what services are available at the school to help your child. Ask how the teacher will both challenge your child and support your child when he or she needs it. Finally, talk to your child. The family conference is all about your child, so don't forget to include him or her. Share with your child your thoughts about what you learned. Show him or her how you will help with learning at home. Ask for his or her suggestions. ​(excerpts taken from the Harvard Family Research Project)​