Parent-teacher conferences provide excellent opportunities for home and school to unite in an effort to enrich a child's social and academic growth. Teachers bring expertise in content areas, curriculum planning, classroom organization, and student motivation. Parents have unique insights about their child's needs, aspirations, interests, and aptitudes. The challenge lies in discovering the best way for you and your child's teachers to communicate and implement appropriate enrichment experiences.

*A portion of this article has been provided on the web.  To obtain a copy of the full article please contact NAGC.*

Before the Conference, Educate Yourself

At the Conference, Use Positive Communication Techniques

Arrive promptly at the scheduled conference time. Enter confidently and shake hands with the teacher, giving your name and your child's name. Both parents should attend when possible. Single parents might ask a relative, friend, or someone who shares responsibility for the child to accompany them. When possible, arrange to sit in an "adult" chair at eye level with the teacher. Listen actively. Be calm, diplomatic, and tactful. With your body language show that you are interested in what the teacher has to say. If you feel you are leaving conferences with only surface information such as test scores and attendance records, ask some questions that will delve deeper into the child's school life.

For example:

1. Does our child seem happy in school? What are his or her special interests and strengths?
   
   
2. How does our child interact with others (age-level peers, older children, younger children, adults)?   Is he or she perceived as a "know-it-all" and made fun of, or do others seek him or her out?
   
   
3. Does the academic work seem challenging, or is it done with little effort?
   
   
4. Are provisions made for students to learn at their own pace?  Are assignments altered to accommodate abilities and interests?
   
   
5. If our child participates in special gifted/talented experiences, is he or she expected to make up regular classroom work?
   
   
6. How does our child feel about trying new things or making mistakes?
   
   
7. Are there opportunities for critical and creative thinking and for problem solving?   How does our child respond?
   
   
8. In what ways does our child show the ability to work independently, accept leadership roles, assume responsibility, and exhibit intellectual curiosity?
   
   
9. What can we do to help our child develop his or her talents?
   
   
10. Are there appropriate after-school or summer enrichment opportunities available for our child?