Find out what new subjects your child will learn and what skill level he should be on to successfully complete this school year. Find out if there are support programs in place to help him if he falls behind. Get information on what standardized testing will be offered this school year and how much class time will be devoted to prepare the children. Ask the teacher how she plans to accommodate different styles of learning. Inquire about preferred method of contact.
Find out if your child's teacher believes she is working to her best ability. If so, continue to encourage. If not, ask what you can do to help. Find out specifics of your child's problems or issues. It may be that she needs more work in sentence structure. Often times, parents have no idea how long a child should spend on his homework each evening. Ask the teacher how much time spent she expects on assignments. Find out if homework is graded on completion, accuracy or both. Ask the teacher about your child's behavior. Get details on how she interacts with other children. This information is important because it may directly influence descending grades.
By this time, there should not be too many surprises. You will know whether or not your child has successfully completed the school year and is moving on to the next grade level. Summer vacation is approaching. To keep your child's mind active during these months, ask the teacher for recommendations on next level coursework. Ask about age-appropriate reading novels and worksheets for your child.
You don't have to wait for a parent/teacher conference to speak with your child's teacher. If you have questions regarding your child's behavior, contact the school to set up an impromptu meeting with his teacher. Never be afraid to ask questions regarding your child. The teacher is there to help.