Parent-Teacher Conferences
Simple Steps to Help Make Conferences in the Middle School a Success
© Amy Horn
Parent-teacher conferences can be a positive and powerful experience for both parents and teachers alike. A few small steps in the process can make that possible.
A parent-teacher conference is a powerful tool that hopefully helps everyone involved. Although apprehension might play a part in both the minds of the teachers and the parents, there are a few small and simple steps that can be taken to help alleviate the anxiety.
Plan ahead. Give parents ample advance notice to schedule their parent-teacher conferences. Use the school website, your team newsletter, a PTO meeting, emails or phone calls to get the word out that conferences are coming. The sooner parents know of the available dates and times for conferences, the better it is for teachers to get set their schedules and feel prepared. And if parents realize that they can’t make it to any of the pre-arranged conferences, they then can contact the teachers to set up a conference that is convenient for all at another time.
Stick to the schedule. Determine how much time will be allotted for each parent-teacher conference, and do your best not to stray from it. Assign a teacher to be the time monitor and ask him or her to give a “two-minute warning” when only two minutes remain. Or, set a timer at the beginning of the conference and make it visible so that everyone knows exactly how much time they have throughout the meeting. Parents understand that teachers can only meet for so long and they will appreciate the fact that you respect their time, as well as the time of all the other parents, by spending an equal amount with everyone.
Decide what to discuss. An outline, script, agenda, or any other talking points that are prepared before the parent-teacher conference will ensure that you don’t forget anything that needs to be said and that you say everything in an organized way. Starting off with positive comments about the student is always a great way to begin the dialogue and might just diffuse some tense situations before they even start. Asking the parents to prepare questions, comments, or concerns they have before the conference allows them to feel empowered in the conference, as well, and enables important issues to be addressed.
Meet as a team. Whenever possible, meet as a team and present a united front to the parents. If time permits, don’t forget to include exploratory teachers, physical education teachers, guidance counselors, and other support staff who may have valuable input regarding specific students. Of course, let the parents know that they are an important part of the team, as well. Remind them that everyone in the conference has the same goal in mind: to provide the student with the best educational experience possible.
Unfortunately, some parents and teachers have had negative experiences with parent-teacher conferences in the past. However, parent-teacher conferences should not be looked at as a necessary evil. Instead, view the conference as a powerful tool that will set a positive tone and open communication lines, making your job that much easier as the year unfolds.
