Importance of Signing Up for Parent Teacher Conferences

Address Student's Work

• A parent-teacher conference allows the teacher to showcase the work of the student. This includes both the strengths and the weaknesses of the student. Parents are able to get a glimpse into the classroom and what their child is doing on a daily basis. This also gives the teacher a chance to address any issues the student may have academically with the parent and discuss ways that the teacher and parents can help the student to achieve more.

Forum for questions

• A parent-teacher conference gives the parent the opportunity to ask questions about all aspects of the class. These may include expectations, explanation of the grading system, homework questions and to clear up any issues and concerns a parent may have. A student may also have concerns about their class but are not willing to ask the questions directly to a teacher. A parent may be able to address the student's concerns during a conference.

Share Information

• Parent-teacher conferences allow an exchange of information. For example, a parent may be able to tell the teacher about life changes the student may going through, such as a loss of loved one or a divorce that may affect the student. Other information that may help a teacher are the student's interests and hobbies that a teacher may use to better teach a subject to a student. Teachers may also share their observations on any changes they have noticed, or concerns. For example, teachers may suggest that a student be tested for a learning disability or ADD.

Involvement

• Signing up for a parent-teacher conference demonstrates to the teacher and the student that the parent is an active participant in the student's success in school. While this can be a stress event for all parties involved, taking the time to sit down and work together to achieve the same goal will benefit everyone. The teacher and parent will have a better understanding of each other and will be better able to work with the student to reach the high standards expected of them.

Opens Communication

• Having a parent-teacher conference opens up lines of communication that may not have existed before. Parents and teachers may exchange information such as phone numbers and email addresses where they can contact each other when any new questions or concerns arise during the course of the school year.