Parent conferences to take place Oct. 8, 9, 11

Attending parent/teacher conferences is a small step that can achieve big results for students. It is well known that students whose parents or guardians are involved in their education perform better in school.

Parent-teacher conferences for high school students are Monday, Oct. 8; conferences for middle school students are Tuesday, Oct. 9; and conferences for elementary students are Thursday, Oct. 11.

By meeting with teachers, parents not only demonstrate that education is a priority, but they can also discuss their child’s progress and learn how to help their child succeed in school.

Parents can also learn about resources to help monitor their child’s progress, attendance, and assignments.

Consider these tips to get the most from conferences:

1. Conferences are a good time for parents and teachers to work together to develop a plan of action to support students’ learning. This might take the form of an agreement where parents commit to what they will require at home and the teacher outlines projects, deadlines and what will be covered at school.
2. Working as a team, teachers and parents can ensure that students are learning what’s required at each grade level. This kind of cooperation is crucial as students prepare to take state-mandated exams. Many schools will provide before- and after-school tutoring in the weeks leading up to the tests. Ask about tutoring and whether other resources are available to help students outside of school hours.
3. Parents who can’t attend conferences on the designated day should know they can call the school to schedule a conference with their child’s teacher. And if meeting face to face is difficult, parents shouldn’t hesitate to ask teachers for other ways to receive updates on their student’s progress.