• Discuss with your child his/her concerns about school.
• Make a list of the academic questions you want to ask the teacher and bring it with you the day of the conference.
• Jot down important infomration about your child that the teacher should know such as family changes (divorce, re-marriage, move), financial changes (loss of job), health changes in the child or family and bring these notes with you.
• Call the school and ask for assistance if you need special accommodations wuch as transportation, childcare, different conference schedule, etc.
• If you are not comfortable speaking English, have someone call the school and request an interpreter for your meeting with the teacher

At the Conference:

• Be sure to tell the teacher your child's questions and/or concerns.
• Go over your list of academic questions with the teacher.
• Find out the best way (notes, phone calls, e-mail messages) and the best time to communicate with the teacher throughout the school year.
• Here are some questions you might want to ask:
  • How often and how long should my child be doing homewrok? Is classroom time used for homework?
  • How can I help at home? What materials can I use?
  • Does my child complete assignments regularly?
  • Does he/she attend classes every day
  • What are my child's academic strengths and weaknesses?
  • Does my child get along well with his/her peers?
  • Is my child working at grade level in math, reading, and writing?
  • How can I tell how my child is doing at school? Do you send progress reports?
  • What do my child's grades reflect: homework completion? Skills learned? Tests and quizzes scores?
  • What is the best way/day/time for me to get in touch with you regarding my child's progress in ________?
• If your child is not doing well, consider asking these questions:
  • How can I find out about missed assignments? How can I help at home?
  • What can I do to ensure that my child achieves grade level in math, reading, and writing?
  • What school resources are available to help
  • Can textbooks be brought home? What materials can I use to help him/her?
  • What is the best way/day/time for me to get in touch with you to discuss my child's progress?

After the Conference

• Discuss with your child what the teacher told you. Emphasize the positive comments heard. Talk about the areas where improvement is needed.
• Read all materials that come from the school and keep informed.
• Contact your child's teacher if you have further questions.
• If your child is not doing well, set up a regular communications schedule wiht his/her teacher to monitor your child's progress.
• Consider sending thank-you notes to your child's teacher during the school year for providing extra help or spending extra time with your child.
• Be an active participant at your child's school: volunteer, join the parent organization, attend school parent meetings, chaperone field trips and dances, support school events, offer to help from home, etc. Your involvement with your child's school will send a message that you think the school is important.
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