Parent/Teacher Conferences: Getting The Most Out Of 15 Minutes

"The only reason I always try to meet and know the parents better is because it helps me to forgive their children."

                                                                                              -Louis Johannot


While it's hard to believe, we are almost at that first parent/teacher conference!  Unlike 20 years ago, parents have pretty frequent communication with teachers via email, classroom websites, and newsletters. In addition, with RTI and universal screening, snapshots of academic performance are typically sent home two or three times a year. As a parent, this arms you with strong foundational knowledge pertaining to your child's academic functioning. So, how can you make the best use of a 15 minute conference? 

Questions With Heart

Does my child seem happy during the day? 

Are certain times of the day more challenging? What can I do at home to make those times easier?

Is my child able to work with all types of classmates?

Does my child seem to have a passion for a particular topic that we could explore more at home?

Is my child a risk taker? Under what circumstances?

How does my child express and handle frustration?

In what ways can we support academic and emotional development at home?

For all your students, what do you feel is most critical for them to walk out with at the end of the year?

What would you like us parents to walk away knowing about your teaching and beliefs?

How can I reinforce the classroom values at home?

As a parent, how can I help support you in the classroom?


Use this opportunity to learn about your child as a student, not a test score. Take time to see your child's teacher as a person, with insights to offer that cannot be sent home with report cards.
Universal screening, high stakes testing, and RTI cannot replace the passion, knowledge, and commitment educators bring to the classroom! Teachers are there for your children, so take a moment and reflect on how you can be there for them, in order to foster the most supportive learning environment.