Preparing for your upcoming Parent Teacher Conference

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As we move through the first half of the school year, we are quickly approaching the time for parent teacher conferences.  While this can be an exciting opportunity to discuss your child’s progress so far, for some families, it can be an overwhelming experience.   There are ways, however families can prepare for upcoming conferences with the school.  Here are some things to consider as you prepare to meet with your child’s teacher.

Things to consider:

• Do you have any concerns that you’d like to discuss at the conference?  Write them down.
• Do you know how your child is doing so far?  What have you observed?
• Have you talked with your child beforehand? What do they like about school?  What concerns have they shared?
• Try to Limit to 3 areas to address within the scheduled time frame
• Consider requesting a separate meeting if you think you may need more than the allotted time for the conference.
• What should the teacher know about your child?  How does he/she learn?  What are their strengths/challenges?
• Think about how you and the teacher can work together to best support your child in school?

Other things to consider

• Does the teacher know that you child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan?
• What goals are they currently working on?
• How is my child making progress towards their goals?
• Are the accommodations provided seem to be working?
• How does the daily classwork, tie in with my child’s IEP?

These are a few of the things that may help you make the most of the upcoming parent teacher conference.  Remember, this is an opportunity to learn how your child is doing, the curriculum and educational resources being used, and their progress. More importantly, this is a great time to address any concerns you may have regarding their progress.   Our children are most successful, when families and teachers work together for their success!

Additional Resources on preparing for parent teacher conferences

Fact Sheet: Talking with Your Child’s Teachers

Questions for the Teacher

Parent-Teacher Conference Worksheet – Understood.org

Preparing for Parent Teacher Conferences – Webinar

Video – Sharing Information about your child with the school 

Teachers share how families can prepare for parent teacher conferences

Elbert Palmer video

 

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