2. Before the Conference
• Create an agenda
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Greeting and introductions
Past performance
Current grade standing
Behavior
Projects/Tests coming up
Ask Questions – get parent feedback
Another example: Parent Teacher Conference
Record.doc
6. Uninvolved Parent
• Does not mean they do not care
• Child can overcome issues
• Come up with a plan
7. Defensive Parent
• Keep a positive attitude
• Acknowledge student’s positive characteristics
• Work together to achieve student success
Editor's Notes
Agenda – include key issues you want to discuss during conferenceCurrent grade – review student work, may want to bring examples of student work Ask questions – how is the child enjoying class? Is there anything you think could be done to help student succeed? Is there anything going on in personal life that would affect student performance that we need to be aware of? What would you (teacher) want to know more about the student? Keep agenda as a record
Listen –it requires the listener to suspend all judgments and direct his/her energy into listening attentivelyReflect – “It sounds like you want to be able to check on Johnny’s progress more, is that correct? “You seem frustrated with Sarah’s lack of effort, lets discuss ways we can improve that”Parent Input – parent knows child’s strengths and needs, learning styles, behavior at home etc. Ask what else can be done?Student Strengths – discuss strengths as well as challenges they have in class – shows you value their child’s strengths and have high expectationsPlan – discuss how you and parent will support and help the student. be specific about what you will do and for how long – make sure to do it.
Decrease anxiety – let parent know what they are doing well to help their child - assure the parent you will contact them if a problem does arise or a problem does not changeParent responsibilities – responsible for supplies, - providing the space and time to complete assignments, - offer student support and help without taking overStudent responsibilities – instead of parent checking grades online have student check them and show and explain them to the parentSuggest actions – what can the parents do at home that will support what you are doing in the classroom – extra practice?Communication schedule – if the parent wants frequent updates suggest a schedule that is reasonable for you and something the parent is comfortable with ex: sign student agenda – puts responsibility back on student ex: you email them once every 2 weeks/once a month
Just because they are not around does mean they do not care… many are busy and have other concerns – some don’t know how child is doingLet the parent know their child can overcome whatever the issue is as long as they are willing to try and they are willing to work with youSet up a plan that will meet the students needs and the parents needs – map out what parent is going to do for child (could think about before conference) and what teacher will be doing – staying after school, outside resources (internet tutorials) etc.
Defensive Parent – Timmy’s momPositive attitude – remain calmBefore getting into problem discuss things that the student does well – helping others, listening, enthusiasm (find something)Suggest what can be done at home to help the student Ask parent on ways they think their child could improve on or strategies they could use at home Assure parent you will work them as much as you can to get their child to succeed.
