Beyond the Parent-Teacher Conference

Even practicing these guidelines, there may be conferences that do not go well. Perhaps either the teacher or the parent was just not at his best. Maybe the parent left without feeling that the crux of the problem was addressed. Possibly the team needs to regroup. When there are unresolved concerns:

• Learn how to be an advocate. The definition of an advocate, according to The American Heritage Dictionary is "a person who argues for a cause; someone who pleads on another's behalf." In the world of education where teachers and principals must deal so much with multiples and numbers, a child with special needs can get lost. A special need can be any area a child struggles in, whether they qualify for specific programs or have identifiable learning abilities or disabilities. An especially gifted child can be bored with class and need extra stimulation; ask for it. An autistic child may struggle with reading but be able to do mathematics that are one or two grade levels above his peers in the classroom; find out what the options are. Every child develops at a different level and sometimes that does not fit the rigors and requirements of formal education. Offer support and, if satisfactory answers do not come, keep asking.

• Always nurture the learner and the reader in your child. No matter the difficulties of a child, focus on the positive. Staunchly defend the natural curiosity and love of learning each child is born with. Discuss with the teacher how to foster a partnership between home and school.

  An important educational term to understand today is "differentiation of instruction." This means that teachers need to recognize students varying background knowledge, readiness, language, preferences in learning, interests, and to react by teaching responsively. Dr. Tracey Hall, Senior Research Scientist for the National Center on Assessing the General Curriculum, says intent of this concept is "to maximize each student's growth and individual success by meeting each student where he or she is, and assisting in the learning process." Build a team that encourages that type of environment.

• Do not give up. When the planned intervention fails, or what the teacher suggests does not work, do not allow the experience to end there. Believe in your child's abilities and keep looking for answers.

• Let the child be involved in formulating a solution. Talk with the child's teacher again. Discuss the issues with the principal or school superintendent. Go outside the school community and talk with local children's advocacy groups. Look for expert advice on the World Wide Web. Talk with a pediatrician. Ask a friend. The answers are out there but parents often must take the lead in continuing to search for those solutions.

The best way to make parent-teacher conferences productive is to stay in touch with how your child is doing in school before issues become huge. Establishing a friendly, collaborative relationship with your child's teacher can foster communication and a "let's work together" attitude. Next week, call your child's teacher and request a brief conference. You might be surprised and delighted with the results.

Resources

National PTA - "Making Parent Teacher Conferences Work"

YMCA – "Parent-Teacher Conferences – Staying in Touch for your Child's Sake"

Health Communities/Healthy Young Berks County Initiative – Tips for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences