Parent Conferences: How to make the most out of just a few minutes

Written By Special Solutions

Often, parents only get 5-10 minutes with their child's teacher. I am sure you want to hear all the wonderful things they might say about how respectful and sweet your child might be, but that doesn't tell you what you need to know. Or have you heard the same concerns over and over but don't understand the root issue? It is important to have time to ask questions that get you to the meat of the conversation.

Questions to ask when your student is doing well in class:

  • What is the grade based on? How many grades are in so far, and is it mostly homework and classwork, or tests?

  • Has any of it come from retakes or corrections?

  • How do they do on tests compared with homework?

  • Do they ask for help or clarification when needed?

  • How do they handle missed school/class?

  • Do they seem anxious before tests?

  • What's coming later this year that tends to be harder for students?

  • How do they seem socially? Are they connecting with other students?

Questions to ask when your student isn't doing well in order to understand the problem:

  • Is the low grade from missing work, low test scores, or both? Missing work points to organization. Low test scores point to gaps in understanding or in how they study.

  • Do they understand it in class but struggle on tests, or are they confused from the start? Is it test anxiety, test preparation, or a skill gap?

  • Which specific skills or units are the problem? Ask for something concrete, like "solving multi-step equations" or "using text evidence."

  • Are they engaged in class? Do they take notes, start work on time, and stay focused?

  • Do they ask questions or ask for help, in class or afterward?

  • Do they turn in work that has been finished?

  • Do you have concerns about attention, reading, processing, or anxiety that we should look into?

Questions to ask to figure out how to get  back on track:

  • What is the policy for late work, and are there deadlines we need to know about?

  • Is extra help offered, such as office hours, a study hall, or a teacher's lunchtime?

  • What should we focus on first to bring the grade up the fastest?

  • Can the tutor/coach contact the teacher directly?

  • Where are assignments and study materials posted, and are they up to date?

  • Is the school counselor involved, and should they be?

Questions to ask yourself or your child:

  • Has anything changed with mood, effort, or friendships this year?

  • Are these issues the same in every class, or only one? A problem in one class suggests a content gap or a poor fit with that teacher. A problem in every class suggests disorganization or something bigger.

We are always here to help and support you and your child,

Leslie

 

Leslie B. Gubitz, MAT

PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Special Solutions