PARENT

CONFERENCE

HANDBOOK

COBBCOUNTYSCHOOL DISTRICT

STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCES

Before the Conference:

  • Complete the paperwork for conference
  • Identify your room with your name
  • Place chairs outside the conference area for waiting parents
  • Arrange the room in an attractive and neat manner
  • Arrange conferencing area in a conversation grouping. Do not plan to sit behind your desk.
  • Wear badge

Greeting the Parent(s)/Guardians(s)

  • Make sure that you know the parent’s or guardian’s correct name
  • Greet parent by name
  • Introduce yourself
  • Indicate your appreciation of their attendance at the conference

Conducting the Conference:

  • Set the tone by saying: “Mr./Mrs. ______, for the next twenty minutes, we will be discussing ______’s school progress in terms of strengths and weaknesses. I am one of a team of teachers working with your child. Our time is limited, so I might re-direct our conversation in case we get off the subject.”
  • Share progress reports. Begin with positive information, if possible.
  • Obtain parents’ input by saying: “Do you have any questions or comments? Is there anything that you would like to share which would help us understand your child better? I may take notes as we talk.”
  • If time permits, you might wish to share information on one or all of the following:
  • Connections classes
  • Intramural programs
  • Team behavior management plan
  • Counseling services
  • Media services
  • Testing programs and schedules for the year (CRCT, ITBS, Writing Test, etc.)
  • Distribute any forms (conference evaluation form, ALP information, local school information, etc.)

Closing the Conference:

  • Always try to close the conference on a positive note.
  • Use comments such as “I am glad that we had the opportunity to discuss ______’s progress. We are looking forward to working with you and your child this year” or “Please feel free to contact the school if the need arises for any further conferences”.
  • If you wish, provide the grade level counselor’s phone number.
  • Walk parents to the door

TIPS FOR TEACHERS IN PARENT CONFERENCES

THINGS TO DO:

  • RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCCESS: Remember that the success or failure of the conference depends primarily upon the skills of the teacher.
  • BACKGROUND: Become familiar, prior to the conference, with all available information regarding the child.
  • GREETING: Give a friendly, relaxed greeting. Remember that the parent is generally far more ill at ease than is the teacher.
  • PURPOSE: Let the parent know what you would like to accomplish during the conference.
  • WORKING RELATIONSHIP: Establish a working relationship with the parent. Cultivate a relationship of equality. Respect the contribution of the parent. Point out the need for cooperation in order to serve the best interests of the student.
  • CHILD BEHAVIOR: Be thoroughly familiar with the growth and development characteristics of middle school students. Know what to expect from a given child at a given age. Do help parents see growth and emerging interests.
  • RESPECT FOR PERSONALITY: Be considerate of individual personality characteristics.
  • PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE: Be professional. Never repeat any matter of a personal nature about a child or family to other persons, even to team members, except when professionally necessary.
  • EMOTIONAL ATTITUDE: Remember that parents are subjective and emotional about their children and their needs.
  • EXPECTATION: Approach every conference expecting it to be interesting, pleasant and informative.
  • APPRECIATION: Begin each conference by indicating an appreciation of the positive qualities of the student and the cooperation of the parent in attending the conference.
  • INDIVIDUALITY: Show that the student is seen as an individual, not merely as a group member of the classroom.
  • HONESTY: Be honest in matters of fact, but be diplomatic.
  • ANALYSIS: Encourage a cooperative analysis of the causes of lack of progress.
  • DRESS: Dress and groom professionally.
  • ACCEPTANCE OF PARENT OPINION: Accept the parent’s reason for the child’s behavior without showing signs of surprise or disapproval. If necessary, lead the discussion into additional possible causes of action or attitude.
  • REASONS FOR BEHAVIOR: Suggest alternative causes for the child’s behavior for joint consideration when the parent is unable to suggest reasons.
  • PARENT INITIATIVE: Try to encourage the parent to take the initiative in solving problems. Accept parent’s suggested plan of action if at all possible to do so.
  • PARENT CRITICISM: Do hear criticism fully. Obtain parent suggestions for improvement or adjustments. Let the parent know that his/her opinions are appreciated and that they will receive consideration.
  • LISTEN: Listen, and then listen some more. Encourage the parent to talk and try to understand the parent’s point of view.
  • NOTES: Make notes of any parent comments during the conference (both positive and negative) that should be kept in mind while working with the student throughout the school year.

THINGS NOT TO DO:

  1. Do not sit behind your desk during the conference.
  2. Do not have interruptions during the conference if they can be avoided.
  3. Do not use technical language or “talk down” to the parent.
  4. Do not try to out-talk the parent. Take particular care when disagreements arise.
  5. Do not get into an argument with a teacher.
  6. Do not place blame on anyone (i.e. parent, counselor, other teachers, other students, etc.) for a student’s problems.
  7. Do not make inquiries regarding personal or family matters.
  8. Do not indicate a lack of student adjustment without encouraging an analysis of the

causes and an exploration of possible remedies.