Tips for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences

Elementary, middle and high school conferences are Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 24 and 25. Students will have a combination of online and asynchronous learning opportunities.

APS teachers will meet with parents and guardians the week of November 24 to discuss student progress. 

While students will not report to school in person on those days, schools are providing opportunities to students to stay engaged in remote learning activities.

Conferences offer an important opportunity for families and teachers to strengthen partnerships, celebrate student progress and identify areas for continued academic and personal growth. They are a key component of our shared commitment to fostering supportive, engaging and growth-centered learning environments for all students.

Though it can sometimes be difficult, please try to attend these discussions. They provide a chance to discuss key topics and give students the sense that there’s a team excited to help them progress on their academic journey.

Here are a few things families can do to help the conference go smoothly and get the information they want and need regarding their children.

Have a discussion with your child about the upcoming conference.

There is nothing wrong with asking your child, "What do you think I am going to hear about at this conference? What do you want me to share with your teacher about you?" Be informed when you walk into the conference.

If you will need a language interpreter, don't wait.

Tell the teacher about this right away, so the school has time to arrange to have a district interpreter at the conference.

Be on time.

Conferences are often scheduled back-to-back. If you arrive late, chances are you will not have the time you need to visit with the teacher.

Remember that the conference has a time limit. If you have only 20-30 minutes, this may not be the best time to delve deeply into issues that require more time and attention. You can ask for an additional appointment if you have bigger issues to discuss.

Don't be shy; ask questions!

Write down a few before you go to the conference, and be sure to listen and ask clarifying questions if you don't understand the teacher's answers. Some important questions you might want to consider are:

• What are my child's strengths and weaknesses?  
• How does my child get along with classmates?
• Is my child working up to her ability? Where could she use improvement?
• What can we do at home to support what you are doing in the classroom?

Keep your cool.

If a difficult subject has to be discussed, remain calm and keep the student's needs at the center of the conversation. Getting angry is not going to help and may shut down a conference completely. If you feel yourself getting angry or put on the defensive, it's best to table the conference and reschedule.

Don't be afraid to ask for resources.

The teacher, counselor, nurse, administration, or social workers at a school can often provide supports for children and families like Clothing Bank referrals, health information, tutoring programs, wellness services, and other supports. 

Follow up with any suggestions.

Try the suggestions the teacher may offer to help your child, and let the teacher know if they are effective or not. Staying in contact with your child's teacher by email, phone, or in-person when possible will help build a school and family relationship that can really make a difference in a student's school experience.