PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE

The purpose of the parent-teacher conference is for the parent and teacher to continually partner in the educational progression of the students. For parent-teacher conferences to be effective, the following guidelines may be helpful:

• Prepare for the conference by reviewing the student’s history and work patterns.
• Begin each conference with prayer.
• Establish rapport.
• Plan and outline your conference objectives.
• Ask parents about his/her objectives.
• Be specific and factual: have samples of student work when appropriate.
• Avoid educational jargon.
• Avoid labeling.
• Communicate as positively as possible; parents need to know that you know and value his/her son or daughter.
• Listen.
• Guard against responding in a defensive manner as that always reflects poorly on you.
• Set clear goals.
• Follow up within a reasonable time.