T/TAC - Training and Technical Assistance Center at the College of William and Mary

Parent's Place: Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences

By Sue Land, M.Ed.
Feb./Mar. 2003

Parent-teacher conferences are a positive way to establish and maintain effective home-school communication. Conferences ensure that parents and guardians are up-to-date on their children's progress in school, and for parents of children with disabilities, this is also a time to find out how their children are progressing on IEP goals. Unfortunately, some parents feel uneasy about conferences, worrying that they will hear “bad news” about their child. They also feel unprepared to discuss their child's educational needs.

How can parents prepare for parent-teacher conferences? Listed below are ideas for parents to make the conference experience both positive and productive.

• Get involved at your child's school (e.g., volunteer, tutor, supervise on field trips)
• Keep a notebook of your child's school history (with sections for IEPs, correspondence from teachers, evaluation reports, report cards, and meeting notes and outcomes)
• Ask to meet for at least a half hour so that no one feels rushed
• Be prepared with a list of written concerns or questions
• Start the meeting with positive comments about your child's school experience and what he/she enjoys about school
• Share your hopes and dreams for your child
• Be a good listener and ask questions to clarify, if necessary
• Work with the teacher for positive results
• Follow through on your part of a plan

It is important for parents and guardians to be involved in their children's education to make certain that school experiences are positive and run smoothly. Through parent-teacher conferences, parents and teachers can work together to ensure a successful school year.

Ideas adapted from J. Lavin (2001). Special kids need special parents: A resource for parents of children with special needs. New York: Berkley Books.

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