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Helpful tips for Parent
Teacher Conferences
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By Joseph Hogan
Principal, Cooke Elementary School
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am sure that most of you will be involved with Parent/Teacher
Conferences in the next few weeks. As a principal and a parent, I
have been on both sides of the conference table many times. Here
are a few ideas that may make your conference go smoothly and be
of real value to you and your child:
BEFORE THE CONFERENCE
- Discuss the upcoming conference with your spouse and your
child. Make a list of questions that you, your spouse and your
child would like to have discussed.
- Plan to discuss your child’s progress in school and
specific areas of concern. A problem at home may affect school
progress. Open communication is the key.
- Study habits, homework, levels of success, attendance, the
higher New York State standards, and what can be done at home
to support learning may be discussed.
- Be sure to ask where your child stands. Is he/she above, at
or below grade level in reading and mathematics? Ask about the
Academic Intervention Program [AIS].
- Be sure to ask where improvements should be made and
"What can I do at home to help assure my child’s
success in school?"
DURING THE CONFERENCE
- Arrive a few minutes early to allow time for parking,
signing in and securing a visitor’s pass, and walking to the
teacher’s classroom.
- Relax and remember that we are all in this together for the
benefit of your child.
- Remember your list of questions.
- Make notes of the teacher’s comments for future reference.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE
- Discuss the conference with your child, the other parent,
and others who have a role in your child’s education [grand
parent, child-care provider, etc.]
- Implement any changes that you and your child’s teacher
have agreed on.
- Know that your conference participation shows your child and
her/his teacher that you truly care about your child and
his/her education.
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