Parents and teacher most likely come together with common conference goals. It's universal that both parties want to maximizing their student’s ability to learn and have a successful academic experience. The teacher can set the tone for a positive conference by starting the conference with a genuinely warm comment about each student. When parents know that their child is respected and
appreciated, they are more open to discuss their child's strengths and growth areas.
It’s important that parents are active participants in the the process. Getting parents to school can often be challenging, but with a little creative effort on the teacher's part, all parents can be brought to the conference table. Some parents have little flexibility over their work schedules and as a result, they may not be able to get to school on conference day. If a parent can’t attend at the designated time or date, accommodate them by scheduling a conference before or after school hours or by phone. Although schools sends out a formal conference form
and reminders, it’s an added touch for the teacher to send home her own letter telling parents
that she's looking forward to meeting them and is anxious to share their child's progress. Some parents didn't have positive school memories and a trip to the schoolhouse can be very intimidating! A personal and warm invitation can often be an incentive for them to attend. Because daily schedules are so jam packed, a reminder of the meeting date and time is always helpful. And, don't forget that some parents need translation services to make the conference a productive experience. Often teacher assistants or relatives can help.
Conference time
is very limited! It would be ideal if the meetings lasted twenty minutes, but the reality is that most conferences are ten minutes or less. Set up your classroom to efficiently facilitate the experience. If you are a primary teacher, you sit on child-sized chairs all the time; however, parents aren't accustomed to that. If at all possible, provide adult sized chairs for you and the parents. Sitting across the table from parents puts the teacher in a power or
authoritarian position and does not foster open communication. Sit next to the parent or at the side of the table for a more welcoming stance.
Provide paper and
pens for parent’s use, have your conference schedule, a stack of folders filed by date,
conference time, and student name so you're ready for each conference without having to shuffle materials. While it’s tempting to
be the star of the conference, consider
starting by asking the parents what questions they have.
You might say, “Since conference time is so short, let’s start with any questions you have?” As the parents asks their questions, you’ll
probably be able to interject what's on your agenda within that context.
If parents have no questions, then proceed with the planned agenda. Setting a timer or your cell phone alarm will help keep you on
schedule without having to constantly look at the clock. The auditory alarm will help
you end the conference in a polite and timely manner.
Avoid educational argon in your
discussion! Parents will probably give
you a blank stare if you talk about CBMs, NWEA MAP, Dibels, fluency snapshots,
exit slips, PARCC, etc.
When discussing these items, explain exactly what you are talking about in easy to understand layman
terms. The same is true for standardized
test scores, too. Translate scores
into understandable terms. If you're not sure how to do that, practice explaining test scores to non-educator friends until you master the skill! There’s no
need to talk down to parents, just use language that's familiar to them. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a
positive and highly academic learning experience for the students with the parents as valuable partners. When parents are aware of what's happening, they'll be better able to help.
Don't let parents leave empty handed! Send them home with some useful resources. Give them lists of
upcoming units and project due dates, information to help them understand NWEA
MAP scores, a handout about the new state test, student's work samples that give examples of what you discussed during the conference, and share specific
ways they can help their child. For
example you may have a xeroxed set of flash cards printed and ready to go home for a student who still doesn't know his/her math facts.
As soon as
possible after the conference, follow-up with materials or other items you
promised to send parents. Most follow-up can happen via email, but some items may still needs to go home in a
student’s backpack or in the U.S. mail.
If for some
reasons the conference gets tense, stay professional and do your best to keep
your ego out of the discussion. Rephrase
the parent's concern so you are sure you understand the issue. You
might say, “I hear you saying that …(paraphrase what you heard)”. You may need
to end the conference at this point, if you're short on time or if the conversation gets stressful. Schedule another conference for a later date and invite another professional, a special education teacher, the vice principal or principal, etc, to be with you. If you anticipate ahead of time that one of the conference will be a difficult
one, plan on having support staff at the original conference.
Most importantly,
be prepared and then enjoy the process!
It’s fun to meet parents and it helps you gain insight into the child’s personality and
day-to-day life. Parent conferences can
be a very rewarding experience and one of the highlight of the school year!
"If we could look into each others' hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat the other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care." -Marvin J. Ashton
