IowaParents.org | Parent-Teacher Conferencing Module

What

	Resources
	"Partnerships for Learning, Conferencing with Families" (Article) Getting the Most Value from Your Time with Parents: A Guide for the Teacher Getting the Most Value from Your Time with Parents: A Guide for the Parent

“The evidence is consistent, positive, and convincing: families have a major influence on their children’s achievement in school and throughout life. When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, students tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.” (A New Wave of Evidence, Henderson and Mapp, p. 7) A partnership between the home and school is critical for encouraging students to achieve at their maximum level. Processes for building this partnership are multi-faceted.

So What

		One time-tested, well established strategy which provides a foundation for building partnerships between parents and teachers is the parent-teacher conference. Conferences encourage home-school linkages and help support children’s learning when:
		Parents and teachers engage in dialog about the student’s learning and development on a regular basis. Parents and teachers are willing to listen and learn from each other. Parents and teachers come to the conference table prepared to ask questions and share information that will benefit the student.

Now What

		The teacher’s goals for a conference with the parents undoubtedly include the following:
		Toinform the parent regarding the child’s growth and progress To learn important information about the child from the parents To plan for the child’s future success To build a trusting, honoring relationship with the parents
		If these goals are to be realized, the teacher will want to be well prepared for the conference. This module suggests ways the teacher might plan ahead, set the stage, conduct a conference, and reflect on the results-–a conference at which the parents will feel welcomed in the school environment and honored for their contribution to the education of the child. The following narrative along with accompanying transparencies will guide the facilitator through the presentation. This module could also serve as a self-study guide.

Quicklinks

What

So What

Now What

Essential Learnings

Programs and Interventions that engage families in supporting their children’s learning at home are linked to higher student achievement.
The continuity of family involvement at home appears to have a protective effect on children as they progress through our complex education system
Parent and community involvement that is linked to student learning has a great effect on achievement than more general forms of involvement...
Programs that successfully connect with families and community invite involvement, are welcoming, and address specific needs of parents and community.
Parent involvement programs that are effective in engaging diverse families recognize, respect, and address cultural and class differences.
Effective programs to engage families and community embrace a philosophy of partnership...

Grades

Birth to 5
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Elementary
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Middle School
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High School