QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING YOUR

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE

Report cards for the second quarter will be issued this Friday, January 16. These reports are especially important because they provide a summary of your child’s accomplishments in the first half of the school year. They also raise potential red flags in your child’s learning.  Even though these conferences are called for on a need basis, parents are always welcome to schedule a conference with a teacher even if one was not requested.

When sitting down with your child’s teacher, consider asking some of the following questions:

1. How Is My Child Doing Socially? - How the child functions socially in the class is a topic that should be addressed at a conference, so inquire about your child's peer relations.
2. How Is My Child Doing Emotionally? - It's also important to ask about your child's emotional health at school. For example, is your child generally happy?
3. In What Areas Does My Child Need Improvement? - Your child's teacher sees him from a different perspective than you do. Ask the teacher what personal weaknesses your child needs to work on, and listen to the response with an open mind.

4.   4.  Is My Child Performing on Grade Level? - At a conference, parents should expect to see examples of their child's work. Ask how this compares to grade-level expectations, but don't try to compare your child to other students. Each child is different and has different strengths and learning abilities.

5. What Do These Assessment Results Really Mean? - When it comes to standardized testing and other assessment results, don’t feel bad about asking 'What does this really mean?.
6. Is My Child Doing His/Her Best? - No matter where your child ranks in relation to grade-level, one important analysis of his performance is whether he's putting forth his best effort. Does the teacher get the sense that your child is slacking off or not focusing?
7. Does My Child Need Extra Help in Any Areas? - Your child's teacher can tell you if your child is falling behind in a skill or a subject. Armed with that information, you can create a plan with your child to work harder in that area, before it gets too late.
8. What Can We Do to Provide That Extra Help? -Work with your child's teacher to create a plan to help your child progress well in school. There may be specific things that you can do at home to help, such as hiring a tutor or helping with homework.
9. (if this is the case) What Accommodations Are Being Made for My Child?
10. May I Share a Concern? - If you're worried about a situation at school, bring it up with the teacher. Teachers usually appreciate when parents bring an issue to their attention, as long as it's done with respect.
11. Can You Fill Me in on This Situation? - When your child has complaints about what's going on at school, ask for clarification from the teacher; often your child's side is the only side you've heard.

15. Can You Tell Me About Your Teaching Method? - If you have an issue with the teacher's method, ask her to help you understand it
16. Do You Have Any Advice? - If you need help with an issue your child is having, ask the teacher for input. Teachers have worked with dozens or hundreds of students, and many have advice to share.  

Get ready for a parent-teacher conference by making a list of the questions you want to ask. A prepared parent with a positive attitude and an open mind is on the right track for creating a successful, year-long partnership with his child's teacher.