Tips for Student Conferences
Some questions for parents to ask at teacher-parent conferences:
Is my child in different groups for different subjects? If so, why?
Does my child get along well with others?
What are my child’s best and worst subjects?
Do you think my child working up to his or her ability?
Does my child participate in class and raise their hands to answer questions?
Ask to see their attendance sheet to double check against what you know your student has missed?
Have you noticed anything different in the way my child acts? For example, have you noticed any squinting, tiredness or moodiness that might be a sign of physical or other problems?
What kinds of tests are being done? What do the tests tell about my child’s progress? How does my child handle taking tests?
Teachers should:
Greet parents and create an open and inviting environment.
Discuss a student’s strengths before raising problems.
Use student’s papers to better illustrate any problem areas.
Give parents something to take home with them, such as a handout on the curriculum. Parents can review material more completely at home and refer to it during the year. This can also save time at the conference.
End positively. Set goals. Include the parents in helping the student achieve their best.
