Preparing for student teacher conferences
For many families, the idea and challenges of parent-teacher conferences can leave many questions and a level of uncertainty when entering the room. We’re hoping our included questions below can provide some key topics to keep in mind and potential questions to ask in hopes of furthering the conversation.
Dr. Quintin Boyce, a current professor that serves as the Associate Vice President of Educational Outreach and Student Services at ASU, has also worked as a teacher and principal within the Phoenix Union High School District. Since Dr. Boyce is also a father, he has a deep understanding of student-teacher conferences from both sides of the table.
He shared his top five questions for families to ask educators during their conferences:
- What are my student’s greatest strengths?
- Where do you see the greatest opportunity for growth?
- Is my student appropriately challenged academically?
- How is my student socially and emotionally?
- What is one thing we can do at home that would make the biggest difference?
“A deeper, thought provoking question that gets educators to move beyond standard conference talking points and allow them (educators) to share what they really think is important: If this were your child, what would you be paying the most attention to over the next six months?” said Dr. Boyce.
“These experiences are typically quick,” said Dr. Boyce. “Come prepared with what you want to know because the time will go by fast.”
Academic Process & Expectations:
- How is my child handling the increased reading demands?
- Classes for this age group focus heavily on reading comprehension, not just in language arts, but across science and social studies.
- Is my child working at, above, or below grade level in their core subjects?
Understanding where your child stands more broadly across the core subjects and help provide a deeper understanding of where they may be facing challenges and identify areas of focus.
- Are they participating in class discussions?
- Participation in class is almost always encouraged, showing they are engaged and have the confidence to speak up amongst their peers.
Many schools have also embraced a more student-led conference format, listing ways this approach could be beneficial:
- Encourages students to be the expert on their own success. They are able to organize their thoughts and take charge of the conference by sharing their goals, progress and areas for improvement.
- Helps students plan ahead academically and focus on achievable goals for the school year. Allows them to answer questions like, what subjects they would like to improve in and what improvements in these subjects look like for them?
- Allows students to share their accomplishments and what they are proud of. What is a classroom skill that they have gotten better at? How have they helped their fellow classmates? What is a project or assignment that they did well on and want to share?
“In student-led conferences, the student does most of the talking and it is a demonstration of learning,” said Dr. Boyce. “Know that you may need to schedule additional time with the teacher if you need to get particular questions answered.”
These conferences are designed to help families plan ahead academically and focus on achievable goals for the school year. Keeping in mind subjects they would like to improve in and areas of success will be the building blocks for their next steps on the academic journey.
The National Association for College Admission Counseling has a book available to download for free that provides strategies and skills to families that ensure their elementary student is prepared and ready for academic success.