I want to preface this post with the fact that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy for how to conduct parent-teacher conferences. There are MANY ideas and methodologies that have been used by all levels of teachers. It is important to choose the best method that works for YOU.
I’d like to share a strategy that worked for me and can be used to help you set up your parent-teacher conferences. I have included two FREE templates for you to use to prepare for parent-teacher conferences.
Begin by using the SET IT UP template to decide WHAT you want to achieve during the conference and HOW you want to achieve it. This handout can be used digitally by typing in your content or if you are a paper/pencil person, you can print and complete it that way.
Table of Contents
Create a Goal
Decide the important topics you want to share and/or discuss during the conference. Let’s face it, you simply cannot cover everything you want to during the conference. My conferences were always set for 15 minutes, so I had to pick and choose 3-5 areas I wanted to discuss to give the parent/guardian a good picture of their child’s progress.
Choose a Method
I find having some kind of form filled out prior to the conference helps keep the meeting focused. I prefer a RUBRIC in which I fill out for each student that includes the level of understanding for the units of study for the semester, work ethic, attitude towards learning, and attention. This has been by far the best thing I’ve done for having successful parent-teacher conferences!
I usually print the rubric and highlight each area, so parents/students can leave with a hard copy. But, you can also share each rubric with them virtually by sharing your screen and/or via email. Click on the image for an editable version of this rubric.
Attendance
I used to only meet with the parent/guardian, but one year I changed it so that the student had the option to attend. I found that students enjoyed hearing about their progress and the good things they were doing in class. It was also helpful for them to be part of the honest conversation on areas they could improve. I truly think who attends varies on each teacher’s situation, so again, do what is best for YOU.
Execute Your Plan
What needs to be prepared in advance? For me, I filled out a rubric for each student and made a checklist of appointments to keep the meetings efficient and on time. During the conference, I explain each area of the rubric and give a few examples. Parents were also happy to walk away with something they could reflect on with their child.
Reflections
I am the type of person that always wants to improve! I am constantly analyzing lessons, projects, activities, etc., so of course I want to reflect on how I set up and execute my conferences to make them even better the next time.
Using the Set It Up document helps me plan for conferences each year and having a Rubric I can edit for each quarter/semester helps me make the necessary adjustments for each conference.
Access both of these by signing up for the FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY.
Other strategies my fellow mathtastic friends have used with their students
| TARGET BASED GOAL SETTING by Brooklyn’s Brightest Learning Targets Based Goal Setting- a way for students to own their progress, and reflect on mistakes. A great piece to present to parents when you want to show what needs improvement in regards to academics but also celebrate what has been mastered. (free resource included) |
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TEAM APPROACH
by Math Giraffe
Work together as a team to prepare for each conference. Students do self-evaluations that they present to parents alongside the teaching team’s evaluation.
Homeroom teachers act as representatives of the entire teaching team, while students take accountability and share input about any discrepancies / similarities between the two forms.
(free download included)
| DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PARENTS by Mrs E Teaches Math Even with perfect classroom management and planning, you will encounter a student with parents that take issue with your teaching. These ideas and tips for dealing with difficult parents will help you enjoy your kids and have a great school year! |
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Document, document, document! by Mrs E Teaches Math Document everything! Save work samples and take notes. |
We hope you find these parent-conference strategies helpful!
Susan June 8, 2022
Is there a packet, which has all of these forms and the advice in it; on TPT??
Anthony Good October 30, 2022
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