Parent-Teacher Conferences: Five Important Questions
Prepare yourself for parent-teacher conferences by thinking about what information parents really should have.
Here are some examples.
- What skills and knowledge will your students be expected to master this year?
- What will your students learn this year in key subjects like math, science,history, and English?
- Are there challenging academic standards in place at your school, andhow do they compare with those at other school districts? Show these standards to parents.
- How will you inform students about the academic standards they're expectedto meet? What kinds of projects and assignments have you planned that willhelp your students meet higher academic standards?
- What kind of information do you use to evaluate students? How do youknow if they're academically ready to move on to the next grade?
- How are grades determined in your classroom?
- What can they do at home to complement what is happening in the classroom?
- How can they know on a daily basis what homework has been assigned?
- How can they support your efforts in implementing higher academicstandards?
- What if their child is a slow learner and falls behind, or is a fastlearner and is bored?
- Are summer school, tutoring, or other programs available for studentswho need more help?
- Are children encouraged to think about a wide variety of career interests?
- Are all students encouraged to take algebra by the end of eighth grade?