What should we expect?
Many of our children are wrapping up the first quarter of the 2021-2022 school year. The rhythm and routine of the school year has balanced out some. This also signals the first set of report cards to be coming home and parent-teacher conferences. Some dread the parent-teacher conferences, not knowing what to expect or look to accomplish. I’ve always held the belief that if your child is struggling or has had a rough beginning to the school year, you should know about it well in advance of the conferences. No one should or wants to be blindsided after 9-10 weeks of school that their child isn’t doing well.
If you are headed in for a parent-teacher conference make some notes prior so that you are more prepared and have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish. You may find your questions are naturally answered throughout the conference, but being well prepared ensures you do not go home without answers. Many teachers have scheduled back to back conferences and typically have a packet of information ready to go over. If you feel at the end of the conference you need more time with the teacher then schedule another one. Most teachers are very open to finding time before or after school to have a deeper discussion but want to be respectful of other parents' scheduled times.
Here are some questions as a parent and advocate that I go into conferences with:
What are our child’s strengths and weaknesses?
Is our child being challenged?
How is our child handling their emotions?
How is our child doing socially?
How can we help support our child at home?
Can you explain the assessment process and results to me as they relate to our child?
Does our child appear to be enjoying school?
Other resources:
Questions to ask at your parent-teacher conference
12 questions to ask during a parent-teacher conference
This conference is for you and about your child. Go in and seek out information. Utilize your time with the teacher and don’t allow it to be a task that needs to be checked off for the school year.
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Restorative Solutions Consulting