Parent-Teacher Conferences: Tips for Parents

From the Harvard Family Research Project

As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher. You and your child's school have something in common: you both want your child to learn and do well. When parents and teachers talk to each other, each person can share important information about your child's talents and needs. Each person can also learn something new about how to help your child. Parent-teacher conferences are a great way to start talking to your child's teachers. This tip sheet suggests ways that you can make the most of parent-teacher conferences so that everyone wins, especially your child.

What should you expect?

• A two-way conversation. Like all good conversations, parent-teacher conferences are best when both people talk and listen. The conference is a time for you to learn about your child's progress in school. But it is also a time for teachers to learn about what your child is like at home.


• Emphasis on learning. Good parent-teacher conferences focus on how well the child is doing in school. They also talk about how the child can do even better. To get ready for the conversation, look at your child's homework, tests and notices before the conference. Bring a list of questions that you would like to ask the teacher.


• Opportunities and challenges. Just like you, teachers want your child to succeed. You will probably hear positive feedback about your child's progress and areas of improvement.

What should you talk to the teacher about?

• Progress. Find out how your child is doing by asking questions like: Is my child performing at grade level? How is he or she doing compared to the rest of the class? What do you see as his or her strengths? How could he or she improve?


• Assignments and assessments. Ask to see examples of your child's work. Ask how the teacher gives grades.


• Your thoughts about your child. Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings about your child. Tell the teacher what you think your child is good at. Explain what he or she needs more help with.


• Support learning at home. Ask what you can do at home to to help your child learn. Ask if the teacher knows of other programs or services in the community that could also help your child.


• Support learning at school. Find out what services are available at the school to help your child. Ask how the teacher will both challenge your child and support your child when he or she needs it.

More ideas for parent-teacher conference, including post-conference follow up suggestions, are available in the full online tip sheet.
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