How to
run a parent-teacher conference
There are some key points to take into account in order to
ensure success in a parent-teacher conference.
First of all, there has to be an expected meeting, an
appointment should have been done beforehand. In this way, teacher and parents
would be able to prepare, gather and order the information that they want to
cover. A goal for the conference should be established. This simple thing about
having an appointment would make a warm welcome the most probable one. In any
case, the teacher should create an agreeable environment so the interview will
be developed under a respectful and calmed atmosphere. The teacher must have
assertive skills.
A good start for the conference could be summarizing all the
items that will be covered, as well as letting the parent know how long would
the interview last (it shouldn´t last longer than fifteen minutes). Therefore,
the purpose and time available for the conference should be stated.
Also, we should open the conference with a positive attitude and
language toward the student. We must remember to use a jargon free language, in
order to make sure that everything is fully understood.
Confidentiality should be implicit in this kind of meetings,
otherwise not all the information may be provided. It also will ensure a more
trustful environment between parents and teachers increasing their cooperation.
It would be a good point if we, teachers, encourage parents to
take notes and make questions if they should have any doubt. And, for us, it is
essential to be able to listen to what parents have to share with us. At this
stage, mutual goals could be set, establishing a timeline for the achievement
of such goals, and defining the role of each one in the achievement of them.
During the conference a description of the student’s progress
in the main areas should be done. For such task, it seems rather important to
have all information together in a file. It should include all appointments and
topics covered in previous conferences, as well as students’ outcomes of tests
done to them.
At the end, a summary of the conference stating what we want
the student to achieve may be appropriate.
It will be a great feedback from parents if we could ask them
to evaluate the conference. A
self-assessment on it will also be helpful in order to improve.
We have to end the conference by emplacing parents to further
meetings. By doing this we will be able to have a track of the achievement procedure
of the established goals. So, we are following up with the parents.
It is necessary that students
are aware of these conferences; in some cases their attendance may be required.
In any case, they must know about the goals parents and teachers had
established and ensure their commitment to achieve them.
