Released August 7, 2009

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - It's one call from school that parents dread: "We need to schedule a parent-teacher conference."

"Sometimes these are routine - a teacher wants to offer you a face-to-face assessment of your child's progress and goals," said James Marshall, assistant professor of family life with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. "Sometimes, there are more serious issues at the heart of the call."

Marshall and LaVona Traywick, assistant professor for the division, have 10 pointers for parents to make sure the time spent with teachers is productive and that the outcomes will be what are best for the child:

• Ask your child if there is anything that he/she would like you to discuss with the teacher.

"Even though the child will not be at the conference, it's important that he or she not be left out," Marshall said. "Be his or her voice at the table."

• Jot down everything that you want to talk about at the conference.

"It helps the conversation to be organized from the outset," Traywick said. "Know what issues you'd like to address and write them down.

Other tips from Marshall and Traywick:

• Arrive promptly or a few minutes early.
• Begin with positive comments about the teacher or classroom.
• Avoid lengthy discussions of topics that are not related to the purpose of the conference.
• Be open-minded to suggestions from the teacher.
• Keep your emotions under control.
• Take notes about what has been discussed to share with your child.
• Express appreciation for the conference.
• Do not stay beyond your allotted time.

Traywick said it's important not to expect a quick fix.

"If there was a quick fix, the teacher would have already done it and there would not be the need for the phone call," she said. "Take time to think about the concern of the teacher and talk with your child about the issue."

It's also important not to place blame.

"Try not to get defensive," she said. "The conversation is to help your child, not blame anyone for the situation. The teacher needs you support to help resolve the situation."

Marshall and Traywick are currently developing a fact sheet to help parents create an environment for successful students. The fact sheet will also include suggested questions to ask at a conference, what to ask if there are concerns about the child's social development, and what to do if the teacher calls on the phone.

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http://www.uaex.edu/news/august2009/0807teacherconferences.htm

Source: Ole Wendroth, 859-257-4768

Editor: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu