1/5/2024 0 Comments Parent teacher conferenceWhen parents share questions, the teacher has time to prepare responses and customize the meeting. Invite families' input and questions about possible changes. Doing more can motivate the families to take action. As the professional, the teacher can provide nuanced supports. 3-2-1: Agree on next steps for the teacher (3), parent/family (2), and student (1).Parents and teacher explore needs and questions for learning improvements and enrichments.Share a structure so that parents know what to expect. Establishing the meeting's purpose helps to frame the conversation. Meeting time tends to be limited because of the need to schedule so many families. With such a relationship established, the following steps can help parents and teachers prepare collectively for a productive face-to-face meeting. Then I'd like her/him to ask, "What questions do you have?" I want evidence that the teacher has put together a thoughtful plan for meeting the needs of my child, and it is one that he/she can articulate and provide evidence for how it is being implemented.įrequent contacts result in a stronger parent-teacher relationship and a foundation for transforming the traditional conference into a collaboration about meeting student needs. This invitation sends a message: "We are a Team." Empower Parents/Families to Be Equal Partners I'd like the teacher to start by telling me something my kid did right. Offer the opportunity for a follow-up conversation at the parents' request. Start with general suggestions such as: "Provide a space where your child can complete homework undisturbed." Ultimately, the teacher, like a doctor, is the expert who must bear the load for designing and implementing remedies. This is hard to identify early in the year when the relationship is new. Parent support depends on parents' skills and understanding. Understanding the teacher's next steps reassures them that their child's progress is in good hands. Certainly, families can and should assist, but they aren't the trained experts. People listen better to challenges and obstacles when a professional provides solutions. Also share the next steps that you will take. Parents should be informed about any learning challenges that their children face. Some parents rarely hear about successes by their child. Highlighting strengths becomes a foundation for motivation to tackle any challenges. Lead with areas of progress and/or exhibited strengths.įamilies need to know how their child is demonstrating positive growth. Providing these timely diagnostic updates will help families have meatier discussions with their students: 1. Consider doing more based on individual student needs. Start simple with two to three contacts before the conference. Transform those short, focused sessions into a meaningful dialogue by sending updates several times before the event. Parent-teacher conferences tend to be the first time that discussions happen about the student. In today's busy world, it is nice to have the information at your fingertips when you need it. I value a teacher who communicates expectations using a website, blog, or email. Build a Team: Make Frequent Contacts Before Each Conference I hoped teachers would inform me between conferences if anything was amiss or pleasing about my children's progress, socially or academically, so that there would be no big surprises during the conferences.
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