Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences

How to Make the Most of Your Time with Teachers and Ask the Right Questions

Parent-teacher conferences are golden opportunities to gain insight into your child’s educational experience, build a partnership with their teacher, and support your child’s learning journey. With the right preparation, even a brief 15-20 minute meeting can yield valuable information and establish a collaborative relationship that benefits your child throughout the school year.

Before the Conference

Review your child’s work: Take time to look through recent assignments, tests, and projects. Note any patterns in strengths or challenges that you’d like to discuss.

Talk with your child: Ask what they enjoy about school, what they find difficult, and if there’s anything they want you to discuss with their teacher. Older children might want to attend the conference with you.

Make a list of questions: Prioritize your questions, putting the most important ones first to ensure they’re addressed even if time runs short.

Share information: If there are changes at home (new sibling, move, family illness) or other factors that might affect your child’s performance or behavior, make note of these to share with the teacher.

Questions to Ask During the Conference

Academic Progress

• What are my child’s strengths and challenges in specific subject areas?
• Is my child performing at grade level? Above? Below?
• How is their progress compared to earlier in the year?
• Can you show me examples of their work that demonstrate areas of concern or excellence?
• What skills will be emphasized in the coming months?

Social and Emotional Development

• How does my child interact with peers?
• Do they participate in class discussions and activities?
• How do they handle challenges or frustration?
• Do they seem happy and engaged at school?

Support Strategies

• What can we do at home to support what’s happening in the classroom?
• Are there specific skills we should practice?
• How can we make learning more enjoyable in areas where my child struggles?
• What resources or activities do you recommend?

Communication and Follow-up

• What’s the best way to stay in touch about my child’s progress?
• How often should we check in?
• When should I be concerned about a particular issue?

During the Conference

Arrive on time: Respect the schedule and the limited time available.

Listen actively: Sometimes parents are so focused on their questions that they miss valuable information the teacher is sharing.

Take notes: Write down key points, recommendations, and action items.

Stay focused on your child: Avoid comparing your child to siblings or classmates.

Be collaborative: Approach the conversation as a partnership. Use “we” language when discussing solutions.

Manage your emotions: If you receive unexpected or concerning feedback, take a breath before responding. Remember that you and the teacher share the same goal: your child’s success.

After the Conference

Discuss with your child: Share appropriate highlights from the conference, especially positive feedback and areas where they’re doing well. Collaboratively discuss any areas for improvement.

Implement strategies: Put the teacher’s suggestions into action at home.

Follow up: If questions arise later or you need clarification, reach out to the teacher through their preferred communication method.

Track progress: Note improvements in areas of concern and celebrate growth.

Special Considerations

If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan: Review these documents before the conference and bring a copy with you. Discuss how accommodations are working and whether adjustments might be needed.

For divorced or separated parents: Coordinate attendance if possible, or arrange separate conferences if necessary. Focus on your child’s education rather than co-parenting issues.

If you need an interpreter: Request one in advance through the school.

If concerns persist: If you have ongoing concerns after the conference, consider requesting a follow-up meeting or involving a school counselor or administrator.

Remember

The parent-teacher conference is just one touchpoint in your ongoing relationship with your child’s teacher. Regular, respectful communication throughout the year will support your child’s educational journey far more effectively than a single meeting.

By preparing thoughtfully for your conference, you demonstrate your commitment to your child’s education and establish yourself as an engaged partner in their learning process. This partnership between home and school creates a supportive environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.