Parent Teacher conferences are an important part of the schooling process. They give the parent and the teacher an opportunity to discuss a child in whom they have a mutual interest. Such conferences are most helpful when both the teacher and parents participate actively.
It is necessary and appropriate for you to share in the decision making processes that affect your child. When parents and teachers communicate about education, everyone involved benefits -- especially the students!  Communication does not need to be limited between parents and myself. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, and close family friends can be involved to! The important thing is that every student has a person with an interest in their progress of his or her education!

The following are ways that you as parents can help make such conferences most productive:

• As the year progresses, keep a list of questions you want to discuss with myself.  You may also want to keep a collection of your child's work to compare what I have on my personal records.

• Take notes during the conference, which will enable you to recap to your spouse and child.

• Don't hesitate to ask questions or say " I don't understand."

• Be prepared...review the rule sheet sent home at the beginning of the year, check the course outline for what types of homework was assigned, and any other relevant information to make the conference more successful!