Parent-teacher conferences are being scheduled this week at Washoe County elementary schools.
The conferences are meant to keep parents abreast of their child’s progress or lack of it.
Often parents are at a loss about their role in these meetings, unaware of what questions they should ask and the goals and aspirations for their child that they must express.
Educators offer this advice about preparing for the meeting.
- Parents should talk with their children before the conference. They can discuss what the teacher might say and issues the child would like discussed.
- Parents should write questions they would like to ask and note any topics they would like to discuss with teachers.
- Talk about areas of concerns; e.g.; What are some ways to help your child with spelling? Discuss homework issues, the volume and getting it done on time.
- Reading at home is very important to the progress of students in school. Teachers should discuss how many minutes per evening is appropriate for their child to be reading or be read too (or a little of both).
- You should inquire if the teacher has a system of communication that the parent is familiar with? (ie., Friday Folders, EdLine, Progress Reports, Newsletters, etc).
- Parent’s should inquire about the best way to communicate with the teacher (e-mail, notes in folders, calls at a specified time, drop ins before/after school).
- Ask the teacher what activities or habits at home would be most helpful in supporting their child’s success.
Additional Facts
Questions you can ask to improve the results of your parent-teacher conferences:
- Is my child learning at an appropriate level in reading, writing math, or showing progress in English?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of my child?
- Does my child need additional help in any subject?
- Is there any help or service available in school and in the community if my child needs help in any subject?
- What are the standard exams that my child will take and how are the results from those tests going to compare to others?
- How does my child’s performance compare to other children in his/her classroom, to the children at the same grade level, community, state, nation?
- Do you place students in groups when teaching reading and/or math?
- What capabilities or talents does my child demonstrate in class or homework?
- How are my child’s homework habits?
- Is my child reaching all of his/her potential?
- Does my child complete his/her homework on a regular basis?
- Does my Child participate in class discussions?
Source: Washoe County School District
