Effective parent teacher conferences involve preparing an agenda that covers the student's past performance, current grades, behavior, upcoming projects and tests. The teacher should listen to the parent, reflect back what they say, get their input, discuss the student's strengths and suggest strategies. Different types of parents require different approaches, such as decreasing anxiety for helicopter parents, communicating responsibilities, proposing home actions and a schedule. For uninvolved parents, the teacher should note lack of involvement does not mean lack of care and help create a plan. When meeting defensive parents, the teacher should stay positive, acknowledge strengths and work together for success.