Parent/teacher conferences are right around the corner!  Now is the perfect time to build a lasting relationship with your child’s teacher(s).

Education is a shared responsibility.  To help students learn the skills, habits and attitudes needed for lifelong success, teachers need your assistance and input.  Working together, you and your child’s educator can ensure your child reaches his full potential this school year.

To celebrate the National Education Association’s (NEA) American Education Week (November 16-22, 2008), the educational experts at Sylvan Learning are proud to provide resources that assist educators and parents in working together to complement the learning process.

Some Things to Keep in Mind For Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/teacher conferences are an excellent opportunity to gauge your child’s academic progress and create an ongoing dialogue with your child’s teacher.

Getting Ready:

• Ask your child if there are topics he would like discussed with his teacher.
• Write notes to yourself about your child’s personality, learning difficulties and study habits – aspects that you feel his teacher should know. Take these notes with you to the meeting.

Helpful Questions To Ask At The Meeting:

• What is your classroom homework policy?  Is homework graded?
• What are the skills that you expect my child to master this year?
• Is my child working up to his ability?
• How do you accommodate for learning styles?
• How can I stay involved in my child’s learning?

During The Conference:

• Be respectful of the teacher’s time and arrive promptly.
• Begin the conversation on a positive note. 
• Discuss your notes concerning your child’s learning habits. 
• Ask your most important questions first – in case time runs out.
• Listen to the teacher’s comments and be open to feedback and suggestions.
• Ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child reach his potential.  This is the most important part of the meeting.
• If the teacher says something that you don’t understand, ask for clarification.  Don’t be shy.
• Take notes so you can discuss the meeting with your child.
• End the meeting by reiterating the actions that will be taken by the teacher or you.
• If needed, schedule a time to meet again.

After the Conference:

• Begin your action plan and work with your child to make learning fun.
• Stay in contact with the teacher and continue to discuss your child’s progress.

Sylvan Learning would like to ensure EVERY parent in North America understands the importance of supplementing his or her child’s learning at home and attending parent/teacher conferences. By working with local families to develop plans to efficiently prepare for educator meetings, parents and educators will see higher grades, fewer homework headaches and more confident students as a result.