Parent-Teacher Conferences

Photo of a father with his daughter Photo of a mother with her kids Photo of parents walking with kids
Video

Our Schools Today: Parent/Teacher Conferences

Watch: Broadband | Dial-Up (Real 00:14:19)


The parent-teacher conference is your opportunity to discuss how your child is doing in school. The conference also is an opportunity to strengthen the partnership with your child's teacher. Conferences are scheduled for Nov. 11 and 12, 2008. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be dismissed early on those days.

Elementary school parents should receive a notice to schedule a conference by early November. If you do not receive this notice, please call the school. Teachers and schools try to accommodate parents' needs when scheduling conferences. Middle school parents who request to meet with one or more of their child’s teachers should call the school to make an appointment.



Be sure to keep these tips in mind as you prepare for the conference:

  • For interpretation services to be provided, please contact the school at least one week before the conference.
  • Write down the questions you would like to discuss. Some pointers on what to ask: How much time should I expect my child to spend on homework each night (each week)? What are my child’s strengths? What does my child need to continue to work on? How does my child get along with classmates? What can I do at home to support what my child is learning at school?
    Sheet for Planning and Follow-up
  • Remind your child about the upcoming meeting and ask if he or she has any concerns or questions for you to discuss at school.
  • Remember that what goes on at home affects your child’s performance at school. If there is a major event happening in your family life, consider informing the teacher, as it may affect your child’s academic performance.
  • Arrive on time for the meeting.
  • Feel free to take notes and ask the teacher to repeat anything that is unclear.
  • If you have more to talk about than your assigned time will allow, ask to schedule a follow-up meeting with the teacher.
  • When you get home, share the discussion with your child. Follow up with any strategies you agreed to try at home.

Updated November 6, 2008
Maintained by Web Services | Office of Communications and Family Outreach