Preparing for a School Conference

do your homework

Have you paid particular attention to the papers your child has been bringing home from school! They're easy to overlook, particularly if they are scrunched up into little balls and stowed away in the pockets of jeans and coats. You don't want to be caught off guard if the teacher says, "I'm sure you've noticed that Johnny never finishes an assignment."

It will add to the teacher's perspective of the child if you describe some of the behaviors you are noting at home-for example, if the child is particularly neat (or messy) about taking care of his room, let the teacher know. It may neatly fit into what she is witnessing in the classroom.

miscellaneous

If, for one reason or another, your child has been tested, you will doubtless be given the results. But there's more to tests than just scores. You will also need to know precisely what that particular test was measuring, why it was given, and what it suggests in terms of ongoing needs.

Should the child attend a parent-teacher conference? Quite often it is helpful for the child to be present although he should never be made to feel that a team of adults are "ganging up" on him He should be encouraged to share his feelings about his progress or lack thereof. If the adults are prepared to listen attentively, the child may provide some valuable clues to his needs and attitudes.

Do not be alarmed if the teacher asks another member of the school staff to attend the conference-for example, the principal, the school nurse, the school psychologist, or a speech and Ian" teacher. These specialists are there because they have something share perhaps a significant observation-that will help develop better learning patterns and styles for your child.

a final note

During your child's academic career, parent-teacher conferences are a way of life just as PTA meetings, class open houses, special programs in which your child performs, et cetera. Like all other events that are significant in your child's life, they can be approached with optimism and a firm conviction that if a spirit of good will and optimism prevails, your child will, indeed, prosper.

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