Parent Teacher Conferences (Pt 2): A Little Homework Makes A Big Difference

Preparing a list of questions for your parent/teacher conference.

So you're about to meet your child's teacher at this school year's first parent/teacher conference. You've reviewed your child's school records, report cards, progress reports and any papers brought home from school. You've talked with your child and found out which subjects he or she likes and which subjects are disliked. You've asked your child to talk to you about any problems that exist in school. And now you're wondering how the meeting will go? and you're preparing a written list of questions to take to the conference. Three important areas to inquire about are your child's academic, work and social skills. Here are a few questions you might consider asking:

• Is my child performing at grade level?
• Does my child have strengths and/or weaknesses in major subject areas?
• Does my child need special help in any academic subject? In social adjustment? If so, what help is available?
• Does my child regularly complete the class work and homework you assign?
• Has my child attended class regularly?
• Does my child participate in class?
• Does my child have an opportunity for independent, paired, small group and total group activities? If so, in which is he or she more comfortable or more successful?
• How are my child's work habits and attitude?
• How does the teacher keep parents informed about their child's progress or problems?
• Ask to see the results of any formal or informal testing that has taken place.
• Ask about specific ways in which you can help your child at home.