Often students do not share graded work and assignments with their parents. Conferences give the teacher an opportunity to show parents work that represents their children's best and most challenging assignments. In addition, the teacher can answer any questions the parents may have concerning work that has been assigned to their child.
The teacher should build in time to allow parents an opportunity to ask questions about policies, assignments or behavioral concerns. The teacher should document these concerns and provide the parents with proper feedback, or a promise to address them at a later date. The conference should not be a one-way communication from the teacher only.
Many times parents have no idea what to do when they see their children experiencing difficulty in some of their classes. Additionally, parents of students who excel may need help challenging their children at home. Teachers should provide parents with lists of books, Web sites and other resources to support their children outside of the classroom.
The conference room should be clean, clutter free and inviting -- presentation goes a long way with parents. Seating should be at a table where the teacher and parents sit near each other. This puts parents at ease. If the student attends the conference, place him near his parents to facilitate communication during the conference.