The National Education Association has a published list of tips and reminders that are great guidelines to use as we move into our mid-year parent-teacher conferences.
- If possible, include the child in the conference. A student who can critique their own behavior, performance or study habits completes the reflective circle and creates an atmosphere set for problem-solving. It's also great for the child to hear you sing their praises
- Be prepared. Have some anecdotal notes, test results, work samples, and so forth to present and discuss in a concrete way, rather than vague references.
- Ask the parent to bring you up to speed on school years' performance from the home perspective.
- Be positive and focused on plans to correct any problems you and the parents and/or student agree upon. Be as specific as you can if you have ideas for implementing help. This may include specific plans about how you and the parent will keep in touch in the ensuing weeks. In short, what can the parent reasonably expect you to do to report progress on any new tactics?
- Recruit the parent by impressing on them that you are a team. This may include suggesting that they take certain responsibilities in helping their student, too, such as monitoring, checking over work, or even signing daily or weekly reports from you.
- Reflect on the child. Center on how he/she can best achieve progress towards educational success.
- Be sure the parent knows what to expect as far as progress reports/updates from you throughout the remainder of the year.
- Provide/remind parents of your contact information if concerns should arise.
- Start and end with something positive about the child.
**What additional tips can you share with colleagues to assist in making the home connection a successful one? Share an idea by posting a comment. Click on "comment" below to share your valuable insights. **
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