In the News - August 2009
Back to School: Parent-teacher conference? Now what?
LITTLE ROCK - It's one call from school that parents dread: "We need to
schedule a parent-teacher conference."
"Sometimes these are routine - a teacher wants to offer you a face-to-face
assessment of your child's progress and goals," said Dr. James Marshall,
assistant professor of family life with the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture. "Sometimes, there are more serious issues at the heart of the
call."
Marshall and Dr. LaVona Traywick, assistant professor for the division, have
10 pointers for parents to make sure the time spent with teachers is productive
and that the outcomes will be what are best for the child:
- Ask your child if there is anything that he/she would like
you to discuss with the teacher.
"Even though the child will not be at the conference, it's important that he
or she not be left out," Marshall said. "Be his or her voice at the table."
- Jot down everything that you want to talk about at the
conference.
"It helps the conversation to be organized from the outset," Traywick said.
"Know what issues you'd like to address and write them down.
Other tips from Marshall and Traywick:
- Arrive promptly or a few minutes early.
- Begin with positive comments about the teacher or
classroom.
- Avoid lengthy discussions of topics that are not related to
the purpose of the conference.
- Be open-minded to suggestions from the teacher.
- Keep your emotions under control.
- Take notes about what has been discussed to share with your
child.
- Express appreciation for the conference.
- Do not stay beyond your allotted time.
Traywick said it's important not to expect a quick fix.
"If there was a quick fix, the teacher would have already done it and there
would not be the need for the phone call," she said. "Take time to think about
the concern of the teacher and talk with your child about the issue."
It's also important not to place blame.
"Try not to get defensive," she said. "The conversation is to help your
child, not blame anyone for the situation. The teacher needs you support to help
resolve the situation."
Marshall and Traywick are currently developing a fact sheet to help parents
create an environment for successful students. The fact sheet will also include
suggested questions to ask at a conference, what to ask if there are concerns
about the child's social development, and what to do if the teacher calls on the
phone.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture and offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability,
marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
August 7, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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