With many local school districts getting ready for spring parent-teacher conferences, we wanted to share these tips from The Learning Community on how to get the most out of these important meetings:

Be Prepared
Take some time prior to the conference to put together a list of questions you may have including “How can I help my child at home?” If there is a particular topic you would like to discuss with the teacher (i.e. reading ability), send the teacher a note ahead of time so he or she will have the information you need such as test scores, textbooks, etc.

Start with a Positive Attitude
Keep in mind that you and the teacher are on the same team—you both want the very best for your child. Start the conversation with positive comments and even if you have to discuss a challenging situation ask “How can we solve this problem working together?”

Share Important Information
Let the teacher know of anything that is happening at home that my affect your child’s learning (i.e. the death of a family member) as well as any changes to your daily routines and schedules.

Discuss the Whole Child
In addition to covering academic issues, ask the teacher to talk with you about your child’s social and emotional development including how he or she interacts with others and participates in class.

Take Notes
Your conference may result in several action steps for both you and the teacher. Taking notes will make sure you do all the necessary follow up. The conference should end with a clear statement of what you will do and what the teacher will do.

What tips do you have for getting the most out of parent-teacher conferences?